Stories

All the right moves

Shelter Movers staff and volunteers celebrate their 700th move

Three things often prevent those experiencing intimate partner violence from transitioning to a better, safer life: logistics, costs and the prospect of losing belongings.

Enter Shelter Movers, a one-of-a-kind, volunteer-powered organization that provides free moving and storage services to those fleeing abuse.

“Our services help them clear these hurdles,” says chapter director, Courtney Waterfall.

Customized support may include private security or police presence, movers, storage units, vehicle rentals, language interpreters, pet fostering and more. An intake process helps determine the level of risk and scope of the move. Community partners provide referrals and in-kind donations of products and services.

The Southwestern Ontario chapter has helped almost 600 individuals and families since it was formed in 2020. Funding from HCF will increase the number of moves in Hamilton in 2025 — a much-needed expansion, given intimate partner violence in the city is at an all-time high.

From Legacy Spring 2025 newsletter