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 After Dinner President Cathy introduced our guest, Allison Kirkland of Shelter Movers Canada.
“Shelter Movers is expanding into Winnipeg. I met them at both of the student volunteer fairs that Iain and I attended this fall. But this is the first time that I’ve met Allison. Shelter Movers helps people in vulnerable situations to escape. Allison Kirkland is the chapter director, and she’s here to tell us what it’s all about, and how we can help.” About Shelter Movers Shelter Movers, as Kathy mentioned, is expanding into Winnipeg. Shelter Movers is a national volunteer-driven charitable organization that provides moving and storage at no cost for individuals and families fleeing violence. These are primarily women and children. There are many barriers to leaving situations where you're experiencing violence. These include not having the hands to help, not having the money to make the move, facing urgent circumstances, or having an abuser prevent you from taking belongings. When you leave, particularly for shelters, there is usually a two-bag limit. Imagine your mother thinking about leaving an abusive relationship and having to tell your children they can take their book bag and some clothes—that's it. Shelter Movers has 10 chapters now, with Winnipeg being the 10th. The organization was founded in 2016 in Toronto and gradually expanded through Ontario, Quebec, and BC. Two years ago, federal funding allowed expansion into the prairies. They reached Edmonton and Calgary last year, Winnipeg this year, and Saskatchewan next year. Services and Impact Anywhere Shelter Movers operates, they serve a radius of roughly 1.5 hours or 100 kilometers from the city center. In Winnipeg, most moves occur within the city, but they will assist with moves to nearby communities like Selkirk if necessary. Comprehensive Support Shelter Movers provides moving services, storage, and support for families and their pets. They move people from homes to shelters, shelters to homes, and between transitional housing. Their referral partners are primarily shelters, but any agency working with abuse victims can refer people. They also offer indefinite storage for those in transitional housing, which can last up to two years. Since its inception, Shelter Movers has completed more than 7,500 moves and serves an average of 148 families monthly nationwide. Founder’s Inspiration Marc Hull-Jacquin is the founder and CEO of Shelter Movers, a community organization that helps survivors of gender-based violence. He started the organization because he wanted to create support for people like his daughters if they ever needed it. Initially, he borrowed a truck and performed moves personally before recruiting others. Shelter Movers remains the only organization of its kind in Canada. Volunteer-Driven Operations Shelter Movers operates entirely through volunteers, handling roles from recruitment to intake coordination, logistics, and actual moves. Volunteers also manage partnerships with storage providers and truck companies. For example, Penske donates trucks locally in Winnipeg. Shelter Movers is unique in offering men a way to be allies against domestic violence, providing them roles in moves and logistics. Manitoba's strong volunteer culture has made it easier to recruit movers and drivers. Partnerships and Challenges Shelter Movers partners with organizations like Apple Storage and local moving companies for heavy lifting. For high-risk moves, they collaborate with GardaWorld Security, the Winnipeg Police Service, and RCMP. Winnipeg Police have been especially supportive, viewing Shelter Movers as reducing their workload. When clients self-refer, Shelter Movers directs them to professional support agencies as they are not equipped to provide trauma counseling. The organization focuses strictly on facilitating safe transitions. Partnerships for Medium and High-Risk Moves For medium-risk moves, Shelter Movers partners with GardaWorld Security in Winnipeg. They provide security services at no cost, ensuring the safety of these transitions. For high-risk moves, the organization works with law enforcement such as the Winnipeg Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), or local First Nations Police outside city limits. The Winnipeg Police Service has been especially supportive, reflecting their commitment to community safety. A representative from their Domestic Violence Unit commented, “A call to Shelter Movers is one less call to us.” This collaboration significantly impacts the ability of survivors to move safely. The Role of Shelter Movers During the intake process, clients provide a detailed inventory of their belongings, which must be packed beforehand. Shelter Movers does not assist with packing, except in exceptional circumstances. If conflicts arise during a move, having security or police present helps, but resolving disputes is not the organization's responsibility. Support Resources for Survivors Shelter Movers is the only organization in Canada offering these specific services. While individuals or smaller groups may assist survivors, there are no formalized organizations providing this support. Survivors seeking help can also turn to: - Women's shelters and resource centers.
- Units like the Health Sciences Centre's domestic violence programs or clinics.
- Online resources like Manitoba 211, which connects individuals to services across various needs, not limited to domestic violence.
Destination Requirements Clients must identify their destination independently, as Shelter Movers does not assist in locating accommodations. The organization focuses on facilitating safe moves for survivors but relies on clients to determine their next steps. The Positive Impact of Shelter Movers Shelter Movers enables survivors to overcome barriers, making a significant difference in their lives. A recent client, thrilled with the organization's support, shared her story on TikTok, expressing her gratitude and raising awareness about Shelter Movers’ work. Each chapter averages 8–10 moves per month, with some handling as many as 15 families weekly. This consistent effort underscores the positive change Shelter Movers brings to communities across Canada. Volunteer Contributions and Community Recognition Volunteers at Shelter Movers are described as respectful, kind, strong, and organized, reflecting the organization's values. The impact of their work is widely acknowledged, including at panel discussions on gender-based violence, such as a recent event at Government House. Judges and community leaders often commend the organization for its critical role in supporting survivors. Addressing the Growing Need The demand for Shelter Movers' services remains high, with Manitoba shelters receiving over 16,000 crisis calls last year. A woman in Canada is killed every 48 hours by her partner, emphasizing the critical need for this work. Shelter Movers aims to empower survivors, providing the "hands to help" when people make the courageous decision to leave abusive situations. For more information about Shelter Movers, visit sheltermovers.com. |
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