$78,800 grant aims to bring moving help closer to rural survivors

The program will also build partnerships with local organizations and reduce the need for Ottawa-based volunteers to travel long distances for rural moves

A new $78,800 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant is helping Shelter Movers expand its volunteer-powered moving and storage services for survivors of gender-based violence in rural Eastern Ontario.

Heather Brisebois, chapter director with Shelter Movers, says safety should not depend on a person's postal code.

The organization is launching a rural volunteer program this month, with a focus on Leeds and Grenville.

The program will recruit and train local volunteers to serve as movers, drivers and volunteer leaders. Shelter Movers says having volunteers closer to rural communities can help address barriers such as limited transportation, geographic isolation and long distances between support services.

The free, trauma-informed service helps survivors and their families move their belongings away from unsafe situations.

The program will also build partnerships with local organizations and reduce the need for Ottawa-based volunteers to travel long distances for rural moves.

Residents in rural Eastern Ontario can learn more about volunteering with Shelter Movers here: https://sheltermovers.com/. 

Story by: Samuel Wilkinson

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