Thanks to their most recent expansion into the Annapolis Valley, Shelter Movers Nova Scotia is now serving 60% of the province!
Shelter Movers Nova Scotia is thrilled to announce that they are now able to serve 60% of the province. The chapter launched in June of 2019 in the province’s largest urban center, Halifax, and has since expanded to two rural communities: the South Shore and now, the Annapolis Valley.
Rural crime rates for intimate partner violence are 1.8 times higher than in urban areas. With almost half of Nova Scotia residents residing in rural communities, this expansion demonstrates Shelter Movers commitment to survivors who are fleeing violence.
Partnership is the Key to a Successful Expansion
We have been pleased with the reception from communities within the Annapolis Valley, as they have welcomed and promoted our services, volunteered their time and connected us with their peers.
To launch our services, we assisted Chrysalis House with Project Renew. Chrysalis House provides crisis, shelter, outreach and transitional support to women and their children who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence and abuse – they will act as our main referral agency in the Annapolis Valley. Volunteers have already played a significant role in launching into the Annapolis Valley. For the past several weeks they have been moving furniture and belongings from the old Chrysalis House location into their new home.
“Shelter Movers understands how serving a rural community is different from operating in larger cities. Together, we addressed issues that rural populations in particular face to ensure that their services meet the needs of our clients. We’re confident that Shelter Movers will be an excellent resource for survivors of gender-based violence in our community,"
To ensure we can provide our free moving and storage services to survivors fleeing abuse, we will need the continued support of the Annapolis Valley communities. Shelter Movers Nova Scotia relies on donations and partnerships with local businesses, as well as the time of volunteers in order to operate.
Increased Demand Means Increased Need for Volunteers
Shelter Movers Nova Scotia is on track to have its busiest month on record. We are continuing to see an increased demand for our services, as knowledge of our organization grows and as we continue to expand across the province.
We have an enthusiastic, yet small group of volunteers in the Annapolis Valley. In order to keep up with this increasing demand of referrals, we need like-minded people to join our team!
Everybody has a role to play in ending gender-based violence, which is why we are calling on all community members, both men and women, to assist Shelter Movers empower survivors as they transition to a life free of violence.
If you or somebody you know would like to get involved with Shelter Movers Nova Scotia, we are recruiting both movers and drivers, as well as administrative volunteers. In addition to this, we are always looking to build relationships with individuals and organizations that would like to give back to their community.
