FAQs

For clients

I want to leave my abuser. How do I access your service?

We serve clients who have either found a space in a shelter and are ready to leave an abusive relationship or who are already living in a shelter or safe place. If you do not yet have a place to go, contact your local support line:
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‍Alberta: 403.234.SAFE (7233) [Calgary]
780-479-0058 (24-hr Helpline) [Edmonton]
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‍British Columbia: 211
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‍Winnipeg: 211
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‍Regina: 306-757-0127
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‍Ontario: 1-866-863-0511 (TTY: 1-833-286-9865)
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‍Quebec: 1-800-363-9010
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‍New Brunswick: 506-388-4357
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‍Nova Scotia: 211

If you have a shelter space, have the shelter contact your local chapter and we will reply within a few hours to discuss your move needs.

If you feel you are in immediate danger, dial 911 or your local police service now.

Is your service free?

Yes, we provide moving and storage services at no cost.

I have a lot of furniture to move. Is that a problem?

We do our best to help clients gather and transport their belongings and are usually able to move everything, but there are limits to how many vehicles and volunteers we can access for a move. We will do our best to meet the needs of the move with our available resources.

I have no furniture to move. Can you still help?

We’re happy to help survivors of abuse get to safety. The best use of our resources tends to be when moving items, but we are open to helping clients who have no belongings. Contact your local chapter to start the discussion on how we can help.

I have children. Can you transport them too?

We are happy to transport children who are accompanied by the client on low risk moves. However, on medium and high risk moves, we ask that you make alternate childcare arrangements, for safety reasons.

I have one or more pets. Can you transport them too?

We are happy to transport pets who are accompanied by the client. Please be aware that not all shelters will allow pets, but we are partnered with local pet fostering agencies that we can connect you with if you are interested.

Is there anything Shelter Movers will not move?

For the safety of our volunteers and clients, we will not move:

Firearms
Ammunition
Alcohol
Illicit substances
Large sums of money ($10,000 or more)

Will the police be involved?

Depending on the perceived risk involved in a move, we may engage law enforcement to keep the peace during a move. However, not all moves require police escort. On certain occasions, private security personnel are more appropriate, or no escort if the risk level is deemed as low. Any decisions around involving law enforcement or security on a move are made in full collaboration with the client.

Is Shelter Movers a faith-based / religious organization?

No. Shelter Movers is not a faith-based or religious organization. We serve all populations, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Know someone who needs our help? Please contact info@sheltermovers.com to start the discussion.

For referral partners

How do I refer someone for this service?

Please head to our ‘Refer a Client’ page to find the appropriate email for the region your client is located in and reach out to us, we will provide you with an Intake Form to fill out so we can process the move request.

Is your service free?

Yes, we provide moving and storage services at no cost.

What information needs to be collected in order to refer a client?

Our intake form asks questions related to the following:

Security risks (status of ex-partner, presence of children)
Quantity and type of items to be moved
Addresses (pick-up and drop-off)
Preferred dates and time for the move
Approximate locations of each stop

Can you help clients who do not speak English?

Yes, we have access to trauma-informed language interpreters who can support both over the phone or in-person on the day of the move.

Can anyone use this service?

We serve all populations regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity as long as they are moving because of violence or abuse.

Can children and teenagers under the age of 18 use this service alone?

We can transport persons under 18 years of age if they are accompanied by their legal guardian. However, we cannot take on clients who are under 18 themselves.

Do you only serve women and children?

No. We serve all survivors referred to us because of violence or abuse, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Can I request a specific date for my client?

We ask that you include a range of dates of at least 3 move dates (a preferred date AND at least 2 alternate dates) when requesting our services. Although we cannot guarantee that we’ll be able to provide a specific date, we will do our best to accommodate your client’s preferred date.

When will I know my client’s move date?

We can never guarantee a move date at the intake stage. Once we send you a confirmation email stating that the intake is complete, a move planner will get in touch with the client to further discuss and confirm the move date.

I don’t have all the information required for the intake form, can I submit a partially completed form?

We encourage you to work with your client to gather all of the information needed to complete the intake form. You may submit a partially completed form, but we will eventually require the entire intake form to be completed in order to proceed to the next stage.

Can I advise my client to call you directly to complete an intake form?

We do not accept self-referrals. If a prospective client reaches out to your organization who is interested in using Shelter Movers, you or a staff member at your organization will need to submit an intake form as a referral. Please do not direct them to contact us directly. Unfortunately, Shelter Movers policy states that a client must be referred by an agency. If a client calls us to self-refer we will redirect them back to you.

My client isn’t comfortable going on the move, can someone else go in their place?

Depending on the risk level, we may be able to have someone step in on the day of the move on behalf of the client. This may be their caseworker or a family member, for example. Once you’ve completed the intake process for your client’s move, the move planner will discuss this with your client.

My client needs to move tomorrow. Can you help?

We’ll try our best! Because we’re volunteer-powered, it takes some time to recruit volunteers. On average, a move takes a minimum of a few days to coordinate and sometimes longer at the end/beginning of the month, when we’re especially busy. We will prioritize moves based on urgency due to safety and referral order. The more notice you can provide for your client’s move, the higher the chance we can make it happen.

‍If we can’t accommodate your client’s preferred move date due to capacity, we recommend looking for a reputable mover in your region through the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).

My client isn’t fleeing abuse, but needs help moving. Can you help?

Shelter Movers operates as a free moving and storage solution to individuals fleeing violence and/or abuse. While we understand there are other vulnerable populations that could utilize a service like ours, we at Shelter Movers are mandated to help those transitioning to a life free from violence.

We recommend looking for a reputable mover in your region through the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).

Can I request a speaker for an event?

Yes. Please refer to our 'Request a speaker' page.

For volunteers

How do I sign up?

If you’re interested in volunteering with us fill out our form here.

What types of volunteer opportunities are available?

We offer a list of volunteer positions depending on your skill-set and interests. Our main areas include:

Moving and Driving
Event Support
Translation

How does Shelter Movers ensure volunteer safety and security? What can I expect?

While there may be a chance volunteers will encounter a client’s ex-partner, we adhere to strict policies and procedures to ensure our volunteers and clients are safe before, during, and after each move. We also work closely with private security and law enforcement to accompany volunteers and clients. Mandatory training and education are provided to help inform our volunteers on potential risks and how to work with move teams to prevent and manage risk situations.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

Given potential risks involved in some of what we do, volunteers must be 18 or older to join us.

I want to participate in moves with someone I know.

Recommending someone to volunteer is easy! Visit our Volunteer page and let us know their preferences. We will interview and register them right away.

What is the average time commitment?

Unlike most organizations, our volunteers contribute as much time as they want with no minimum. When requests for our services are received, a call-to-action is sent by email to our volunteers. If you can help, simply reply! On average a move takes approximately 4 hours to complete but can vary depending on the complexity and number of items to move.

Beyond moving, what else will I get out of this experience?

Beyond seeing the immediate and lasting impact of our work, volunteering puts you in touch with a community of engaged, like-minded people. We offer ongoing training opportunities to help our people grow their knowledge of the needs and experience of survivors of abuse.

I don’t have a special license to drive a big truck. Can I still help?

We use unmarked vehicles that do not require a special license to drive. If you haven’t driven a cargo van before, we’ll take you for a few practice trips to get you comfortable.

I am a survivor of abuse and want to volunteer. Is there anything I should know?

Like all volunteers, we will conduct a phone interview with you. A mandatory volunteer orientation is offered so you can learn about our work and what to expect.

What are your expectations to join the Board of Directors?

The Board meets every 4-6 weeks for approximately 2 hours. The current Board functions primarily to provide governance direction to the Executive Director rather than involving itself in operational matters.

I can’t always commit to regular hours. Is that okay?

Absolutely. Our move schedules are dependent on the availability of our clients. Thus, there are not regular shifts that you are required to sign up for.

I am not very strong. Can I still volunteer?

Our movers need to be able to lift a minimum of 20lbs. If that isn’t possible, we have a variety of other positions that may suit your skills.

I have a disability and cannot help with moving. Can I still volunteer?

We welcome all volunteers to join our community. Please email us at info@sheltermovers.com to inquire about the volunteer opportunities we offer that will suit what you’re looking for.

Can I request a speaker for an event?

Yes. Please refer to our 'Request a speaker' page.

You can learn more about volunteering and how to apply by clicking here.

For donors

Is Shelter Movers a registered charity?

Shelter Movers is a registered charity with the CRA and our business number is 776372492RR0001.

How are you funded?

We rely on the generosity of those who share our vision: a world where survivors can move on from abuse and violence in power and dignity. We welcome gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations. We also benefit from some government support, but operate independently under the guidance of a volunteer board of directors. To support Shelter Movers, visit our Donation page.

Is Shelter Movers a faith-based or religious charity? Who can access your services?

No, we don’t promote any specific religion. Shelter Movers serves survivors and their children regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. We promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.

How can I donate?

So glad you asked, thank you for considering a gift to Shelter Movers! The easiest way to give is online. All online gifts are processed securely through https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/27665.

Will I receive a tax receipt?

Yes, Shelter Movers issues a charitable tax receipt for giving of $25 or more annually. If you give online, you’ll receive a tax receipt immediately via CanadaHelps.

How will my gift be used?

Every gift, regardless of amount, makes a meaningful difference at Shelter Movers. Your support helps cover essential costs like vehicle rentals and fuel, secure storage solutions, volunteer recruitment and training, moving supplies and more. To keep providing completely free moving and storage for survivors, we rely on community support. Please give as generously as you can.

Do you share my information with other organizations?

No, Shelter Movers does not provide or exchange donor information with other charities or organizations.

I prefer to give offline by mailing a cheque, gifting securities and/or arranging a bequest. Who can I contact?

To discuss different ways you can give to Shelter Movers, please email us at donations@sheltermovers.com and we will reply as soon as we can. Thank you!

I want to support Shelter Movers close to home. Will my gift be used in my local community?

Shelter Movers is a national nonprofit with local chapters from coast to coast. Some of our operations including financial management, staffing and fund development are centralized, while move co-ordination and volunteer management are distributed to all our chapters throughout Canada. If you want your gift to go directly to the Shelter Movers in your city / region, you can specify geographic location on our donation page.

Can I set up a recurring donation?

Yes! Shelter Movers makes it easy to become a monthly donor and provide ongoing, sustainable support. Simply select “Donate Monthly” on our donation form.

Can I request a speaker for an event?

Yes. Please refer to our 'Request a speaker' page.

For clients

For referral partners

For volunteers

For donors

For media