Organization providing services to those fleeing abuse launches Regina chapter

WATCH: An organization that helps people flee abusive relationships has opened a branch in Regina. Jacob Carr has the details.

It’s been in the works since February, and on Monday, Shelter Movers Regina had their official launch, making it the first of its kind in the province of Saskatchewan.

Shelter Movers is a Canadian organization that provides free moving and storage services to individuals and families fleeing abuse.

According to Shelter Movers Regina Director Lisa Williams, a Regina chapter was past due.

“The rates of domestic violence here in Saskatchewan are twice the national average. And we know that folks are finding the courage to leave, and we’ll find the hands to help,” she said.

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Finding the hands to help is the motto of Shelter Movers, which was founded by CEO Marc Hull-Jacquin from his basement in 2016. Hull-Jacquin said he started the organization because he believes every parent deserves the chance to give their kids a safe place to sleep at night.

“I wanted to create something that was authentic and real and impactful. Something that would create real change in our community, and I realized that women fleeing abuse often have to do that all by themselves,” he explained.

“They have a bag in their hand and the child in the other and they’re running for their lives, and we have to do better. Shelter Movers is part of that story.”

Williams told CTV News that the process to recruit a full staff of volunteers for Shelter Movers Regina is ongoing and that logistics involved with relocating victims of abuse is a very involved process.

“We ask them a bunch of questions about when they want to leave, how they want to leave, how many boxes do they have, do they have pets, do they speak English,” she explained.

It is an all-hands-on deck approach when it comes to the amount of collaborative effort it takes to open a new chapter of Shelter Movers.

“We need about 40 to 50 volunteers, usually people from all walks of life who want to give their time and talents. Whether it’s on the moves or in the back coordinating and planning the moves to make sure that these happen efficiently, discreetly, and always according to the survivor’s priorities,” Hull-Jacquin said.

Shelter Movers works through a referral process, with local organizations such as Sofia House, Regina Transition House and local law enforcement.

Businesses and associations like Big Steel Box Regina have stepped up to provide free storage space for survivor’s belongings.

The group is still in the process of hiring and training volunteers, and hopes to be ‘all hands on deck’ by late July.