Oikos Property Ventures Launches Hosts Against Trafficking Movement to Combat Human Trafficking in Short-Term Rentals

Houston, TX – 08/29/25 – Oikos Property Ventures today announced the official launch of Hosts Against Trafficking, a new movement uniting hosts, property managers, operators, businesses, and organizations to fight human trafficking through awareness and education.

The initiative was born after an incident at a rental property revealed the urgent need for prevention measures in the hospitality and short-term rental industry. “Thankfully, nothing happened on our property due to our systems and controls,” said Brendan Thompson, Founder of Oikos Property Ventures. “But it opened our eyes to how vulnerable the industry can be. We knew we had to act.”

The mission of Hosts Against Trafficking is simple but powerful: educate and equip every host to create inhospitable spaces for traffickers, making rentals safer for guests and communities.

The movement officially launches this fall with its inaugural event in Austin, Texas, in partnership with Red Oak Hope and the Attorney General’s Office of Texas. Austin was chosen as the starting point for the initiative because it is home to a significant portion of Oikos Property Ventures’ rental portfolio, giving the company a direct connection to the local hosting community.

Looking ahead, Hosts Against Trafficking is already working to organize a similar event in Houston, Texas, a city of growing concern as it prepares to host the upcoming World Cup. The training will help Houston-based hosts and operators take proactive steps in safeguarding their properties and communities during high-profile international events that traffickers often seek to exploit.

“I long for a day when every Airbnb and rental is an inhospitable place for bad actors exploiting vulnerable people. To me, this is a no brainer issue,” said Thompson.

While the training is new, Oikos Property Ventures envisions a future where anti-trafficking education is standard practice for hosts worldwide. Plans are already underway to expand events and partnerships to other cities, building a global network of hosts committed to making hospitality safe and restorative.

Get Involved

Hosts, operators, and industry partners who want to learn more or join the movement can visit hostsagainsttrafficking.com for details, resources, and upcoming event information.

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About Oikos Property Ventures
Oikos Property Ventures is a mission-driven hospitality and property management company committed to creating safe, welcoming, and purposeful spaces. With a focus on serving both guests and the broader community, Oikos integrates values of stewardship, safety, and impact into every property it manages.

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