Project Bear Hugs

11/11/2025

Did you know that human trafficking risks increase during and after disasters? When families are displaced and systems are overwhelmed, traffickers exploit chaos and vulnerability.

At Project Bear Hugs, we’re launching a collaborative awareness campaign “Did You Know?” to bring together voices across law enforcement, nonprofits, academia, and community response.

🎥 We’re calling on advocates, organizations, and professionals in the anti-trafficking and disaster-response spaceto join us in creating short (30–60 second) videos beginning with:

“Did you know that… [insert insight or statistic about human trafficking and disasters].”

Our goal is to unite field experience with research and community education showing that awareness before and after a disaster saves lives.

Let’s work together.
If your organization, agency, or team would like to partner on this initiative by sharing videos, educational resources, or co-branded awareness materials, we’d love to connect.

Reach out to us at [email protected] or send a direct message to collaborate.

Together, we can bridge the gap between disaster response and human trafficking prevention and bring protection, hope, and awareness where it’s needed most. 💙

10/06/2025

After wildfires, floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes, homeowners may have insurance, documentation, and access to recovery programs, but renters? Many lose everything overnight and have nowhere to turn.

They don’t qualify for most housing assistance, often can’t prove loss of property, and are left navigating a recovery system that was never built for them.

At Project Bear Hugs, we’ve seen this gap up close. In every disaster zone we’ve supported, renters are among the most displaced, invisible, and least assisted survivors, yet they make up nearly 36% of U.S. households.

It’s time we rethink how recovery looks for everyone, not just those with property titles.

Because disaster relief should never depend on whether you rent or own, it should depend on our shared humanity.

10/03/2025

When a disaster happens, the first question families ask isn’t about things, it’s about people. “Where is my child? My parent? My loved one?”

At Project Bear Hugs, we’ve seen how heartbreaking it is when survivors can’t reconnect after wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. That’s why we’re focused on solutions that make sure every survivor is seen and supported.

Together, we can create a system that restores dignity, connection, and hope in the hardest moments. 💙

Join us in raising awareness: Share this post and help make reunification a priority in disaster relief.

05/13/2025

Human Trafficking in Disasters: A Growing Concern in Emergency Management

When disasters strike, from wildfires to hurricanes, we often focus on immediate survival: shelter, supplies, infrastructure. But there’s another crisis hiding in the shadows:

The increased risk of human trafficking, particularly among displaced children and youth.

At Project Bear Hugs, in partnership with Greenspun College of Urban Affairs at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, we’re launching a new initiative to better understand how disasters create conditions that traffickers exploit , and what systems can do to prevent it.

What we’re studying:
How breakdowns in foster care, education, and shelter systems increase trafficking risk
Why emergency shelters and displacement often go unmonitored from a trafficking prevention lens
What policies, protocols, and tools could reduce exploitation in future disaster responses

Despite increasing awareness of trafficking, very few disaster preparedness or recovery plans account for it. We aim to change that , by providing survivor-centered, data-informed recommendations to emergency managers, policymakers, and child welfare systems.

Why this matters:
1 in 6 runaway youth is likely to be trafficked for s*x in the U.S.
Disasters increase system gaps, making at-risk youth harder to track or protect
Without integration into emergency planning, trafficking prevention is often reactive , not proactive

We’re actively looking to connect with:
Emergency management professionals
Anti-trafficking organizations
Foster care and youth service providers
Academics, students, and survivors who want to inform this work

This issue doesn’t belong to one sector, it sits at the intersection of public safety, health, justice, and social care. If you’re doing work in this space or want to collaborate, I’d love to hear from you.

[email protected] | www.projectbearhugs.com

02/08/2025

So grateful to our amazing community and partners.

We are here till 4! Come by and help those impacted by the LA Wildfires.

Reno-Sparks Convention Center
City of Reno Government
Reno Aces


Home Depot, Reno, NV
Sunny 106.9 FM Reno
Alice Reno

KOLO 8 News Now
KRNV News 4
The Generator Inc.

01/30/2025

We are so happy we get to put these in our Comfort in Chaos Kits to take to LA!

01/28/2025

🚨 We Need Your Help! Support LA Fire Victims with Project Bear Hugs 🧸❤️

The devastating fires in LA have left families and their pets in need of comfort and support. 💔 Project Bear Hugs is stepping in with a Drive and Drop Donation Drive for LA Fires and we’re calling on our amazing community to join us!

🎁 What We’re Collecting:
🧸 Stuffed animals
🛋️ Throw blankets
🛏️ Sleeping bags
🐾 Animal beds and toys
✏️ School supplies

📅 When: February 8th 2025
📍 Where: Reno-Sparks Convention Center

Simply drive up, and we’ll handle the rest—quick, easy! 🚗✨

At the end of February, our team will personally deliver these donations to the LA Fire survivors to bring them hope, comfort, and a little light during this difficult time. 🌟

Let’s show them what kindness looks like. Please share this post, spread the word, and donate if you can. Together, we can make a difference!

01/24/2025

🎉 Exciting News from Project Bear Hugs! 🎉

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new HopeLine Coaching Program—a free, message-based service providing personalized guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to those affected by disasters. Whether it’s helping with resource referrals, answering questions, or offering a compassionate ear, we’re here to help survivors rebuild their lives with hope and confidence. 💙

✨ How You Can Help:
👉 Know someone who might benefit? Share this post and the link to our program so we can reach as many people as possible!
👉 Passionate about making a difference? Apply to become a HopeLine Coach and join our mission to support those in need.

Together, we can make sure no one has to face disaster recovery alone. Link in comments. Or Projectbearhugscares dot com slash hopeline

💬 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or DM us—we’d love to hear from you!

Send a message to learn more

12/03/2024

🎉 This Giving Tuesday, YOU can make a difference! 🧸💖

When disaster strikes, comfort and hope can feel out of reach. At Project Bear Hugs, we deliver "Comfort in Chaos" Kits to disaster survivors, providing relief when it’s needed most.

This mission became even more personal when our founder, Hannah Hoobyar, and her family lost their home to a wildfire this year. Now, more than ever, we’re committed to bringing hope to those facing their toughest days.

🌟 Here's how YOU can help:
👉 Visit our webpage to learn more and get involved! https://projectbearhugscares.com/pbh-giving-tuesday/
👉 Purchase our Giving Tuesday T-shirt to support Comfort in Chaos Kits.
👉 Share this post to inspire others.

Together, we can turn tragedy into action and ensure no one faces disaster alone. 💕

Our mission to reduce the physical & mental impacts of disasters on the most vulnerable populations.

12/03/2024

Kickstart your Giving Tuesday giving by texting PBHUGS to 53-555!

10/31/2024

For many the recent disasters have left them struggling, trying to figure out how to move forward.

Many believe that if someone is insured they will be fine.

That is not the case.

The number of uninsured people is unbelievable. The number of under insured people is heartbreaking.

And contrary to what some may think, it's not always the resident's fault.

Insurance companies are pulling out of states due to loss in profitability. Premium costs are out of reach for many.

This is a huge problem and why the things we, as citizens, do to help make such a difference.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/10/03/flood-insurance-program-hurricane-helene/

The United States’ crumbling flood insurance system faces a new test after Hurricane Helene.

10/16/2024

🎉 Today’s the Day! 🎉

Join us TODAY at Texas Roadhouse in South Reno from 3 PM – 10 PM to support the families impacted by the Davis fire, including our founder Hannah’s family. 🏡💙

🌟 10% of your total food purchase will be donated to Project Bear Hugs to help these families rebuild. Just don’t forget to show the flyer when you check out! 🌟

If you’re a family affected by the fire, we’re here for you. Reach out—we’ll help you apply for grants for additional support and help with any other needs.

Let’s make a difference together! See you there! 🙏

🗓️ Today, October 16th & 17th
📍 Texas Roadhouse, South Reno
⏰ 3 PM – 10 PM