I’ve just come across a terrific resource for abused women who want to leave their relationships but need help with the actual move: a moving company that will actually move you for free!
Aaron and Evan Steed, the owners of the oddly-named Meathead Movers, started helping abused women at no charge for a number of years, then began collaborating with women’s shelters in 2000, to help women obtain services as well as to keep everyone safe from volatile abusers coming home in the middle of the move. The shelters vet the clients and make sure appropriate restraining orders are in place, the police brought to the home if need be to supervise the move and prevent the abuser from interfering, and they have their staff on-site for each move to help watch over the process and deal with the abuser if he shows up.
Meathead only cover the southwest portion of the US, up to Oregon, but has partnered with another company to cover the midwest and east coast, so they can now offer their services throughout the whole country.
They are also working to try to inspire other moving companies and other businesses to “get creative” in figuring out other ways to help disadvantaged abused women to start over, such as offering free kenneling services for pets. The campaign is called #MoveToEndDV This links to their website and a list of other resources.
