Shelter for Victims of Human Trafficking to Open in Chamberlain

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — An abandoned motel in central South Dakota is being transformed into a shelter for female victims of human trafficking.

The 14-bed shelter will open in early 2016 in Chamberlain. It will be run by a nonprofit based on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Lisa Heth is the executive director of the group Wiconi Wawokiya. She says a grant will be used to hire three employees who will oversee the shelter and work with the victims.

The two-floor building is being renamed as the Pathfinder Center. The first floor will have a recreational area, kitchen, classrooms and a spiritual room. All bedrooms will be in the second floor.

Heth says the facility will assist victims from across the state.

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