(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado ranked sixth in the nation for calls made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2023, and local advocates say trafficking in Southern Colorado is more prevalent than you may think. "The biggest misnomer here in Colorado is that it's not that big of a deal. We're sixth in the nation for human trafficking," said Jo-Ann O'Neil, Board Chair of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado. O'Neil has been on the board since 2014 and said a significant factor in our state's trafficking crisis is a major interstate. "The I-25 corridor. It goes from Buffalo, Wyoming, all the way down to the Mexico border. And so, just like for traffickers, for drugs, it's also trafficking for humans," said O'Neil. The task force connects individuals and organizations with trainings and information about how to spot trafficking in our community. O'Neil said, "We find labor trafficking not only in sex trafficking, massage parlors, nail salons, agriculture, farming, ranching here in Colorado is prevalent. So we've seen that locally and on the Western Slope as well." From prevention to protecting survivors, Sarah's Home is the first step in the healing journey. It's a faith-based residential home for teen girls who are survivors of sex trafficking, and it will soon offer a safe space for boys too. "We have 55 acres in the mountains of Colorado where we are currently building Daniel Academy," said Jillian Winters. She is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Sarah's Home and Daniel Academy. Winters says when it opens next spring, Daniel Academy will be one of the only residential homes for male survivors in the country. "35% of the kids trafficked in the United States are actually boys. And we also know that boys and men are one of the most underserved populations," said Winters. Boys aged 12 to 17, who have been exploited, will be able to live, learn, and most importantly heal at Daniel Academy. Winters said, "When we talk about survivors of trafficking, even if it's just a glimpse of them getting to see really that they have worth and value and purpose and that they can go into the world with that hope, knowing that they have their worth more than what they've been told." FOX21 is holding a Fashion With A Purpose Fashion Show on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets are still available and you can click here to learn more or buy your tickets, today. The proceeds from the event will benefit Sarah's Home, Daniel Academy, and the Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado.