Belinda Campbell has been a cornerstone of support, hope, and transformation at Covenant House Michigan for more than two decades. As our residential programs manager and a key member of the City of Detroit’s Human Trafficking Task Force, her work extends far beyond advocacy — it reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring safety, providing education, and pursuing justice for young people in Detroit and beyond.
Her role on the task force is multifaceted and impactful.
“I help write ordinances for the City of Detroit, organize community activities, and bring awareness to human trafficking,” she explains.
Her work extends into schools, women’s groups, and even the police department, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the tools to identify and help combat human trafficking. 33% of CHMI residents are survivors of domestic violence including human trafficking which typically involves forced labor or sexual exploitation.
One recent victory is a new ordinance requiring hotels in Detroit to post human trafficking hotline numbers.
“We worked hard to get that passed,” she says.
Belinda’s journey into this critical work began during her early years at Covenant House.
“I saw so many kids who were being trafficked and didn’t even know what it was until we educated them,” she shares. “That inspired me to connect Covenant House with the fight against human trafficking.”
Campbell (left) with a fellow Human Trafficking Task Force member | Credit: City of Detroit
She has witnessed incredible success stories that fuel her passion. One young woman called CHMI’s hotline and was brought to safety. After a year at Covenant House, she completed her associate’s degree, reconnected with family, and regained custody of her child.
“She never looked back,” Belinda says, her voice filled with pride. “She’s doing great and still comes back to talk to our youth. Stories like hers remind me why I do this work.”
Belinda’s passion for combating trafficking extends into her personal life, too, and she’s making a global impact. “This work chose me,” she says with humility. She volunteers with her church’s human trafficking group, working on initiatives as far away as Thailand and Kenya.
After 24 years with Covenant House, Belinda finds immense joy in seeing young people thrive.
“The most rewarding part is when a young person tells me, ‘I feel at home here.’ That light in their eyes when they feel safe and connected — that’s everything,” she says.
Her unwavering faith and commitment are the foundations of her work.
“I couldn’t do this without God,” she reflects. “He has played a major part in my role at Covenant House and in my life.”
From her work with the CHMI team and Human Trafficking Task Force to being a grandmother of six, Belinda’s life is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and community. For the young people at Covenant House, she is far more than a mentor — she’s family.
“We get so many calls from our young people — updates on how they’re doing, what they’re up to, or sometimes just a simple question like, ‘How do you make spaghetti?’ Believe it or not, we’ll get calls like that,” Belinda shares with a warm laugh. “We’re their support system.”
Her story reminds us of the profound impact one dedicated individual can have in transforming lives.
