Our vision

Shelter Movers envisions a future where leaving violence is practical and immediate for every woman, child, and gender-diverse person in need, supported by communities ready to mobilize trucks, storage, and trauma-informed hands at no cost.

How we deliver

We mobilize trained volunteers, local businesses, and frontline partners for urgent exits, escorted property retrievals, and resettlement moves—always by referral, always prioritizing survivor safety and dignity.

Our approach

Through national expansion, volunteer networks, and partnerships with shelters and victim services, we aim to eliminate logistical barriers to safety, ensuring survivors can rebuild with dignity across every province and territory.

Meet our founder, Marc Hull-Jacquin

For Marc, the mission of Shelter Movers is essential.

Marc Hull-Jacquin founded Shelter Movers in 2016 while on parental leave with his young children. Motivated by learning about the high rates of gender-based violence in Canada and the barriers survivors face when leaving abusers, he sought to fill a critical service gap by providing free moving and storage support.

Inspiration from Family

Marc drew personal inspiration from his three children, particularly reflecting on the challenges of raising girls amid violence against women and teaching his son to be a better man. He transitioned from a corporate role, including positions at Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario, to launch the organization from his basement in Toronto with initial help from a local women's shelter, a truck, and a few volunteers.

Growth and Recognition

Starting as The Shelter Movers of Toronto, the volunteer-powered charity expanded nationally to cities including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Southwestern Ontario, Ottawa, Montreal, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, completing over 10,000 moves since inception. In 2022, he received the Meritorious Service Medal for his contributions to Canadian society through Shelter Movers' humanitarian efforts.

Shelter Movers through the years

2016

On April 1 2016, Shelter Movers is incorporated.

In June 2016, Shelter Movers completes its first 3 survivor moves.

2017

By March 2017, Shelter Movers completes 100 moves.
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In October 2017, Shelter Movers Ottawa becomes the organization’s second chapter and first-ever regional expansion.

2018

By 2018, Shelter Movers expands to Vancouver, establishing its first West coast chapter.
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In November 2018, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau volunteers on a move.

2019

In July 2019, Shelter Movers opens its first Atlantic-region chapter in Nova Scotia, marking the launch of services in the Halifax Regional Municipality and later in rural regions.

In December 2019, Shelter Movers completes its historic 1,000th move.

2020

Throughout 2020, Shelter Movers reworked its service model to add safety protocols, secure PPE supply, and maintained its operations for survivors despite lockdowns and reduced in-person services in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

In September 2020, Transit Secours Région de Montréal begins its first-ever fully bilingual chapter in Quebec.

In December 2020, the Waterloo region received its own chapter, later expanding to serve the broader southwestern Ontario area.

2021

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.

Throughout the year, Shelter Movers saw explosive growth, with a 66% increase in monthly moves, resulting in 88 families requiring its services per month.

2022

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.By 2018, Shelter Movers expands to Vancouver, establishing its first West coast chapter.

By November 2022, Shelter Movers completes its first move in the province of New Brunswick, cementing the creation of the province’s first chapter.

2023

Shelter Movers completed its 5,000th move in 2023.

Throughout the year, Shelter Movers Ottawa extends its services to rural Lanark County, and Nova Scotia begins offering services in Truro. Meanwhile, the organization’s longest move to date is recorded: Montreal to London, Ontario (5,224 km).

2024

In 2024, Shelter Movers acquires a 70% stake of Toronto-based Firemen Movers Inc., a 14-year-old firm providing moving services, truck training and furniture donations.

The organization completed 1,847 moves throughout 2024 in Canada, reflective of the 2,749 unique individuals (parents and children) served during the year.

2025

Throughout 2025, Shelter Movers expands to support families across the prairies, thanks to an investment from Women and Gender Equality Canada.
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In December of 2025, Shelter Movers completes its 10,000 move.

2026

Our values

Safety

Everyone has the right to safety, especially in times of vulnerability. We create client safety through tailored training, trauma-informed practices, and confidentiality. This commitment to safety extends to our volunteers and staff through a shared responsibility across the organization to ensure physical, psychological, and environmental safety.

Equity

We promote equity by prioritizing accessibility and inclusion throughout Shelter Movers. We acknowledge the intersectionality of oppression and unique experiences of discrimination. By actively reducing barriers, we are working to make our services accessible to all individuals fleeing abuse, particularly those who often face disproportionate challenges in accessing support.

Collaboration and Accountability

We are committed to accepting new challenges and continually adapting our services, informed by client feedback. We collaborate with survivors, volunteers, community organizations, and supporters to foster relationships grounded in trust, transparency, and accountability.

Trauma-Informed

Clients are the experts in their experiences. We consistently work to create an environment of dignity, empowerment, and compassion. We recognize the prevalent, systematic, and interpersonal nature of trauma and intentionally resist re-traumatization.

Change Through Action

We believe change comes from consistent, researched, client-centred direct action with survivors. We are committed to providing local agencies, individuals, businesses, and government an opportunity to contribute to a tangible, coordinated solution to address gender-based violence.

Our Story & Values