MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Community organizations, leaders and members gathered at the Upper Allen Township building in Cumberland County on Monday evening to raise awareness of human trafficking, the fastest-growing criminal industry and a problem prevalent in central Pennsylvania.
"Human trafficking is a huge issue in central Pennsylvania [because] of our geographic proximity to so many large cities and our vast interstate network," said State Representative Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland County).
State Rep. Kutz, Upper Allen Township and the Upper Allen Woman’s Club hosted the human trafficking workshop that brought organizations, local residents and leaders together to bring the conversation on stopping the growing issue to the forefront.
"Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry worldwide," said Jordan Pine, CEO and founder of Greenlight Operation, a non-profit organization based in Camp Hill that aims to disrupt human trafficking and see survivors restored. "It impacts just about every community imaginable, it happens internationally, but it is happening here in our communities."
"They are operating right under our noses," said State Rep. Kutz. "It is much more of a prevalent issue that people realize in our community, that’s why we’re here to shine a light on it."
It was a workshop that focused on sending a clear message that action is needed now.
"The urgency cannot be understated," said State Rep. Kutz "Every single day, victims are being trafficked in and out of our community."
It's a problem that leaders highlight needs to be tackled as one community.
"Issues that affect us on a global level require solutions from every industry, every aspect of our community," said State Rep. Kutz. "It takes an all-hands-on-deck approach."
A solution to a growing problem they say everyone can make a difference in.
"We would encourage people to take action," said Pine. "It requires all of us getting involved and are various backgrounds, vocations and using whatever time and resources we have to make a difference."