Use Htown Bingo to Report Human Trafficking

The following article is from a new friend I met at Tedx Houston a few months ago.  Eric is launching a mobile app, combining creativity and cause.  Check out his story and support his site!  - Ted

Still feeling sore the day after I finished my sprint triathlon, I decided to check out the ‘VIP’ massage parlor in the shopping center down the street. Thighs feeling tight, calves sore, entire body in need of a massage, I was ready to lie on the massage table and relax for an hour while a therapist helped released the tension in my body. Walked in, windows were completely black by the way, and were greeted by three women with smiles on their face. Funny, they did not have on the traditional white pants and shirt that massage therapists wear. Instead they were all wearing robes.

After giving them a nice nod, one of the women led me to one of the rooms available. We walked in and after shutting the door, she asked me what I would like. “Just a regular massage” I answered. “We don’t do that here” she replied. “This is a massage place right?” “No…. you know what this is.”

Shocked and bummed, I immediately left. I was in anticipating a good massage and learned that this was a place where sex trafficking took place. Since then, I have noticed other ‘massage parlors’ that look similar while driving around the Houston area. They are not hidden down some farm road miles from the city, but actually in locations next to businesses and retailers. Down the street from schools and churches. Within walking distance from fire and police stations.

I don’t know how these places can be allowed to exist in our cities and towns. Maybe it’s because we don’t say anything or do anything about them. But now there is an easy way to report these ‘suspicious’ sex trafficking parlors from your Smartphone. By using your camera on your phone to take a photo of the building, and typing a brief description about what you see, it takes just a few seconds to report this issue using your mobile phone. Once reported, city departments such as the Mayor’s office, police department, and neighborhood watch groups, can view the report and do something about it. Moreover, your neighbors you can even voice their opinion about such issues as well. To learn more and download this free app, please visit HtownBingo.com.

Article written by Eric Melchor, native Houstonian