ICYMI: Boyle Announces $250,000 Federal Award to Expand Salvation Army Anti-Trafficking Program in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Today, Congressman Brendan F. Boyle (PA-02) joined leaders from The Salvation Army to announce a $250,000 federal Community Project Funding (CPF) award he secured to expand the Salvation Army's New Day to Stop Human Trafficking Program.

The funding, included in the recently enacted FY26 Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill, will strengthen services for victims of human trafficking and other vulnerable individuals across Philadelphia, including work anchored at the New Day Drop-In Center in Kensington.

"The Salvation Army truly is one of the world-class organizations that serves our community and serves so many communities throughout the nation," said Congressman Boyle. "So, I am very excited to help you continue to serve others, and specifically awarding $250,000 to help the Salvation Army combat the scourge of human trafficking."

Participants at today's event included Felicia Lyle, Area Commander for the Greater Philadelphia Salvation Army, and Kelly Devlin, the Salvation Army's Director of Philadelphia Social Service Ministries.

"It is an honor to welcome Congressman Brendan Boyle to our divisional headquarters, and to thank him for the extraordinary leadership and partnership that made today's announcement possible," said Felicia Lyle, Area Commander for the Greater Philadelphia Salvation Army. "Today, we celebrate a meaningful investment in people, in their safety, in their stability, and their right to live a life free from exploitation. Through his support of the Salvation Army's New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, Congressman Boyle is helping us to expand one of the only trafficking-specific programs in Philadelphia."

New Day helps identify victims of trafficking, provide immediate assistance such as food and shelter, and connect individuals to longer-term services that support safety, stability, and recovery. The program also includes mobile case management, Police Assisted Diversion, and housing-focused initiatives designed to meet people where they are and tailor support to their individual needs.

"Last year, New Day served more than 1100 survivors here in Philadelphia," said Kelly Devlin, the Salvation Army's Director of Philadelphia Social Service Ministries. "We provided 296 survivors with trauma-informed case management, supported 65 police assisted diversions, and delivered critical basic needs through our drop-in center in Kensington, including 5,643 meals and 773 showers. Thank you again, Congressman Boyle, for standing with us. Your steadfast partnership is helping create a city where here healing is possible, dignity is restored, and every survivor is met with care and hope."

Today's announcement builds on Congressman Boyle's prior efforts to deliver federal resources to the Salvation Army's work in Philadelphia. In FY23, he secured $1 million in Community Project Funding for the Red Shield Family Residence Revitalization Project located adjacent to today's event site, supporting renovations that improved safety, accessibility, and living conditions for families in need.

The new funding will allow New Day to expand capacity, enhance access to case management and supportive services, and reach more individuals at risk of exploitation throughout the city.

###