Hope & Toast 2026: Choosing Hope Together

There are some evenings that stay with you long after the room empties.

Hope & Toast was one of those nights.

Friends, organization partners, anti-trafficking advocates, and our amazing community gathered together to learn, to listen, and to celebrate the work happening every day through Haven Homes of Detroit. The topic of human trafficking is heavy. The realities survivors face are complex and heartbreaking. And yet, this night reminded us that even in the midst of that heaviness, we can choose hope.

We can choose community.We can choose action. And we can choose to celebrate the healing that is happening.

Hope & Toast was exactly that. A space where truth and hope existed side by side.

There was an energy in the room from the moment guests began to arrive.

Conversations started quickly. People came ready to engage, to learn, and to be part of something meaningful.

It felt like more than just an event. It felt like a community gathering with shared purpose.

We had the most amazing line up for the evening! Renee Yancy was the best emcee and set the perfect tone for the evening. Our speakers for the evening brought deep anti-trafficking expertise, personal experience, and political visibility:

Bill Woolf

Bill helped ground the room in the reality of human trafficking and the work being done to combat it. His perspective is shaped by years on the front lines, from local law enforcement to serving as a federal task force officer alongside the FBI and Department of Justice investigating trafficking cases.

But what stood out most was his continued commitment to pushing this work forward. Bill has been a strong advocate for strengthening systems, improving coordination, and advancing both policy and community-based responses to trafficking. His message was a powerful reminder that this issue is present in our communities and requires all of us to stay engaged and be part of the solution.

Tishuara Patterson

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Tish shared her story.

As a graduate of Haven Homes of Detroit, Tish represents the very reason this work exists. Her journey from surviving trafficking to building a life of strength and purpose brought the entire room into focus.

There is something deeply moving about hearing directly from someone who has walked that road and is now living a different story. Tish’s voice is a reflection of what is possible when women are given the space, support, and time to heal.

Attorney General Dana Nessel

We were honored to hear from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who spoke about the state’s commitment to addressing human trafficking and supporting survivors across Michigan.

Her office has made meaningful progress in strengthening Michigan’s response to trafficking by advancing and updating laws that better support survivors while holding traffickers accountable. It was a powerful reminder that change happens not only through direct service, but through systems that are designed to protect and respond more effectively.

Together, these voices painted a fuller picture of the work ahead and the progress already being made.

Holding hard + hope

One of the most meaningful parts of Hope & Toast is the space it creates to hold both truth and hope. The truth is that leaving trafficking is incredibly difficult. Survivors face barriers that most of us never have to think about. Safe housing, access to services, rebuilding stability, restoring identity, financial independence, and healing from trauma all take time and support.

But the other truth is that healing is happening.

Women are rebuilding their lives. Goals are being set and achieved. Hope is growing.

That is what we choose to celebrate.

Hope & Toast is not about pretending the problem is easy. It is about acknowledging the weight of it while also recognizing what is possible when a community surrounds survivors with care.

Moments from the evening

There were so many moments throughout the evening that reminded us why this community matters. Laughter at tables. Meeting new people and important conversations. People leaning in, asking questions, and engaging deeply with the mission. Even in a night centered around a heavy topic, there was joy.

And that joy matters.

Because choosing hope doesn’t mean ignoring what’s hard. It means believing that something better is possible and being willing to be part of it.

A Look Back at Hope & Toast

If you were with us that night, we hope these photos bring you back to some of those moments. And if you weren’t able to attend, we hope they give you a glimpse into what made the evening so meaningful.

Hope & Toast is more than a single evening. It is a reflection of a growing community that believes survivors deserve safety, dignity, and the opportunity to heal. We are deeply grateful for every person who attended, supported, spoke, volunteered, and helped make the night possible.

This work does not happen by accident. It happens because people choose to show up, to care, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.

If you’d like to stay connected with Haven Homes of Detroit and follow along with the work happening throughout the year, we invite you to join our email list. It’s the best way to hear stories of healing, see the impact this community is making, and stay informed about what’s ahead.

And we hope to see you at next year’s Hope & Toast.

Because this work is only possible when a community comes together and chooses hope.