Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario

Shelter Movers is addressing intimate partner violence in Southwestern Ontario's high-risk communities, offering free, trauma-informed moving and storage to help survivors escape safely across Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, London, and beyond.

Courtney Waterfall
Chapter Director
Shelter Movers Greater Toronto & Southwestern Ontario

A message from Courtney...

“Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario brings together a team of approximately 120 volunteers who support individuals and families fleeing abuse across Waterloo-Wellington, Brant, Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk, Huron-Perth, and surrounding areas. Completing more than 300 moves each year, the Southwestern Ontario team helps remove the financial, safety, emotional, and logistical barriers survivors are often faced with when fleeing abuse. Their strong partnerships with community agencies, police, private security, and local businesses ensure that every move is completed safely and with deep respect for the survivor’s experience. Grounded in trauma-informed, client-centered care, the team empowers survivors and their children to start their journey of a violence-free life with dignity and their cherished belongings.”

OUR APPROACH

We operate by referral only, deploying trained volunteers (drivers, movers, and coordinators) for urgent exits, escorted retrievals, and resettlements, bolstered by business partners donating trucks, fuel, and storage tailored to local geography. Through presentations to town councils, volunteer drives at universities, and collaborations with women's centres, Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario builds lasting networks, recruits diverse teams, and advocates for moving support as a core anti-violence strategy.

Our Impact

Moving Impact

We launched our Southwestern Ontario chapter in 2021. Since then, we’ve empowered dozens of survivors monthly with free trauma-informed moves in a region plagued by high domestic violence rates and shelter shortages.

Volunteer

Get engaged with Shelter Movers Southwestern Ontario

Are you interested in learning more about volunteering with us? Sign up for a volunteer profile and check out our Volunteer Opportunities to learn more about getting involved.

Give back, make friends, learn new skills, and help shape the future of Shelter Movers.
Click here for Volunteer Opportunities in Southwestern Ontario

Our Partners

Thank you to our business and community partners in Southwestern Ontario