In a heartwarming display of community compassion, a Salida resident named Doug has become a lifeline for a survivor of human trafficking, proving that one person's kindness can change everything.

Camille Mae arrived in Salida at a crossroads moment in late August 2025. After years of struggling to escape a traumatic situation and finding limited support from traditional systems, she made the courageous decision to flee and start over. Her journey led her to Salida, where she hoped to find safety and a fresh beginning.

That's when she met Doug, a local resident who would become instrumental in her transformation from victim to survivor. Recognizing the urgency of Camille's situation and the scarcity of available shelter options, Doug didn't hesitate to help. For four consecutive days, he worked tirelessly, calling shelters across Colorado on her behalf. When those efforts revealed just how limited resources were, Doug made an extraordinary decision: he opened his own home to someone in desperate need.

On September 5, 2025, Camille officially became a survivor, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. The safety and support she found in Salida allowed her to finally feel secure enough to use her real name and share her story publicly.

Now, Camille is channeling her experience into something powerful: community education and support. During Human Trafficking Awareness Month this January, she's organizing an open conversation about human trafficking and the resources available to help survivors. The event demonstrates how victims can become advocates, turning painful experiences into opportunities to help others.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story particularly inspiring is how it's bringing together multiple organizations to create a stronger support network. The community event scheduled for 2 p.m. on January 25 at the American Legion will feature representatives from Caring & Sharing, The Alliance, BV Hope, and Elizabeth Anne's Haven. These local organizations will provide information about resources and shelters available in the Arkansas Valley.

Camille will be present to answer questions directly from community members, offering a survivor's perspective that can help others understand the realities of human trafficking. Her willingness to be vulnerable and open creates an invaluable opportunity for education and awareness in the Salida community.

Doug's compassionate action exemplifies the difference one person can make. His dedication to helping a stranger, combined with Camille's courage to rebuild her life and help others, shows the best of what communities can be. Together, they're creating awareness, fostering understanding, and building connections that will help future survivors find the safety and support they need.

The partnership between a caring community member and a brave survivor is now inspiring others to learn, engage, and support those escaping trafficking situations. Their story reminds us that safety, healing, and hope are possible when communities come together.