The Organization

Shelter Movers is a national, volunteer-powered charitable organization providing moving and storage services at no cost to individuals and families fleeing abuse. We collaborate with local businesses and community agencies to support people, primarily women and children, as they transition to a life free of violence.

Volunteering at Shelter Movers means contributing to a mission that will make a meaningful impact on families experiencing abuse and supporting survivors as they transition to a life free of violence. It also means playing a role in ending gender-based violence. We are growing and looking to add caring, compassionate, and dependable people to our team.

The Role

Movers and Drivers are the backbone of the organization, as they carry out the mission on the ground by moving clients’ belongings to safety. In a group of 2-7 movers/drivers, guided by a detailed itinerary, volunteers will load/unload the client’s belongings into a vehicle and transport the client to the predetermined location. Rental vehicles are provided for the move, and movers who have a valid driver’s license are welcome to register as drivers.

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to make a significant impact through volunteering their time in a hands-on capacity for small chunks of time. The duration of each move varies, with an average of about 4-4.5 hours long from the vehicle rental pick-up time. Each move will be characterized based on the risk level and accordingly be escorted by local police, security guards, or neither. Our moves will often entail driving within and sometimes outside of the city. Further information will be shared with volunteers on a per-move basis. With our flexible volunteering model, you can sign up to volunteer on moves according to your availability. Training hosted by professional movers to review proper lifting techniques is hosted every several months, in addition to truck driving lessons.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Meet other movers at the arranged time and place
• Work under the direction of a volunteer Lead Mover and Move Coordinator, and maintain communication with the Lead Mover and all other movers during move
• Move client’s belongings in and out of vehicles, and transport client's personal belongings to a predetermined location 
• Uphold Shelter Movers’ protocols and procedures

Skills and Qualifications

• Passion for Shelter Movers’ mission of supporting individuals and families experiencing violence and abuse
• Able to lift moderately heavy boxes/furniture, min 15 lbs.
• Work well as part of a team and takes direction well
• Flexible and adaptable to a change in plans
• Ability to respect the Client and other Volunteers’ confidentiality 
• Awareness of appropriate boundaries, compassion fatigue, and self-care an asset
• Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
• No previous education is required
• An interest in the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) sector is an asset

*As a mover, no driver's license is required. Movers who have a valid driver’s license are welcome to register as drivers as we always need additional volunteers who can drive on moves. If you are interested in being a driver, you will be asked to provide a scanned copy of your driver’s license. Shelter Movers primarily partners with vehicle rental and car-share companies to rent passenger vehicles, cargo vans and small trucks.

Role Details

• You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact helping individuals and families transition away from violence and abuse.
• You’ll gain hands-on experience on the front lines of our organization, providing moving and storage services for our clients.
• You’ll receive training in preparation for your role and have access to ongoing training opportunities.
• You’ll work with a great team of passionate volunteers and supporters.
• After 3 months of satisfactory service a confirmation of volunteering can be provided. After 6 months, we'd be happy to provide a personalized reference letter.