Red Sand, Real Change: Hamilton County Unites Against Human Trafficking
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn (WDEF) — It starts with a handful of red sand—and a powerful message.
Across Hamilton County sidewalks, bright red grains are being poured into the cracks. But this act is more than symbolic. It’s a visible reminder of the people who too often fall through society’s gaps: victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Community leaders, advocates, and nonprofits gathered at The Loft Hotel to take part in the Red Sand Project, a nationwide effort that encourages people to rethink the hidden issue of trafficking—and recommit to action.
“We’ve been doing a Red Sand Project for about four years here,” said Rebecca from the Family Justice Center. “It’s really an opportunity for the community to come together in solidarity and say, ‘We’re not going to have human trafficking in our community.’ But more importantly—what do we need to do to make that different?”
That question is central to the work of WillowBend Farms, a nonprofit supporting trafficking survivors. For founder Sarah, the focus is on what happens after rescue.
“It’s what happens past the program—how do you keep individuals from being victimized again?” she said. “We really want to ensure there are sustainable pathways to meaningful employment, so that survivors are moving from survivorship into citizenship.”
The event drew wide participation from health officials, nonprofits, and hospitality partners. Together, they emphasized that change happens not in isolation—but in unity.
“Much like the red sand—one grain may not seem like much, but together, the vision comes to life,” said Beka Bohannon with the Hamilton County Health Department. “Everybody coming together from various walks and scopes of practice for one common cause—that’s how we move the needle. Not just individually, but collaboratively.”
The red sand may wash away with time, but organizers hope the awareness—and the action—last far longer. Because human trafficking doesn’t just happen somewhere else. It happens here. And Hamilton County is saying: not in our community.
