About Us
Our Mission
Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. We collaborate with local businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life free of violence.
Our Vision
A world where survivors can move on from abuse and violence in power and dignity.
Our Story
Our story is a story of hope. Like many Canadians, our founder and CEO, Marc Hull-Jacquin wanted to positively impact his community. After examining gender-based violence in Canada and the barriers to leaving an abuser, he was determined to make a difference.
With the help of a small team of volunteers and guidance from local shelters and community agencies, Shelter Movers was born to fill a critical gap for people leaving abuse.
Today, Shelter Movers is the only service of its kind in Canada. We are powered by over 2,000 volunteers across Canada and operate in Greater Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Nova Scotia, Vancouver, Southwestern Ontario, Moncton, Edmonton, and Calgary. Since 2016, we have completed over 6,000 moves, transitioning individuals and their families to lives free of abuse.
In 2021, Shelter Movers was the first Canadian organization recognized by the French Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross’ RED Social Innovation – a designation that is granted to organizations that meet distinct criteria related to social impact, innovation, accessibility, and viability.
In 2022, Shelter Movers’ founder and CEO was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his work with Shelter Movers. This medal recognizes remarkable contributions made by individuals to Canadian society, such as advocacy initiatives and humanitarian efforts.
In 2023 and beyond, Shelter Movers will expand to support families across the prairies, thanks to an investment from Women and Gender Equality Canada, as announced in December 2022. This contribution will exponentially grow our reach across Canada, allowing us to aid the most vulnerable in the fight against gender-based violence.
We are grateful to all of the hard-working volunteers, partners, donors, and staff who have helped make Shelter Movers what it is today.
One woman or girl is killed every 2.5 days, most often by an intimate partner.
1 in 5 women experience a form of abuse in their spousal relationship.
The annual societal cost of violence against women in Canada is $7.2 billion.
The Need
In Canada and around the world, the most dangerous place for women and children is in their own home. Abuse and violence depend on isolation and control. Abusers are more likely to escalate control (up to and including femicide) when a survivor (1) announces their intention to leave or (2) when the abuser learns she is pregnant.
Survivors face the prospect of losing everything they own when they decide to leave. Moving and storing one’s belongings is expensive, logistically complicated and often dangerous.
Gender-Based Violence in Canada
Shelter Movers supports families fleeing violence with, on average, two children under the age of 9.
Although women are more likely to experience gender-based violence, Shelter Movers serves all survivors of abuse, regardless of gender identity.
Women face higher danger when attempting to leave an abusive household. Shelter Movers eases the financial, emotional and physical barriers to fleeing with one’s belongings, children and pets.
Violence against women affects every community across Canada. Shelter Movers continues to establish new chapters to meet the need.
Learn More
What We Do ->
As the only service of our kind in Canada, Shelter Movers helps survivors of gender-based violence transition to a better, safer life.
FAQ ->
Want to learn more about our service? Check out our most frequently asked questions page (FAQ).
Donate ->
When you donate to Shelter Movers, you bring your community one step closer to a future without gender-based violence.