Getting out of an abusive relationship isn’t easy—but actually packing up and moving out is even more daunting.
Hundreds of women have Aaron and Evan Steed to thank for coming to the rescue. These owners of a California moving company have volunteered to complete the move for them, free of charge.
When they first started their business, Meathead Movers in 1997, the high school athletes were simply looking for a way to earn some extra cash. Back then, their fee was usually $20 and a pizza.
As their business grew, the Steeds started getting occasional, frantic phone calls from women with little or no money who wanted to quickly move out before their abusers returned home.
The sympathetic movers always declined any compensation and rushed to the address to load their belongings.
One day, in 2000, a situation turned volatile when the abuser came home in the middle of the move. It was then that the company decided it had to ensure that the women and the moving crew were both safe, so they partnered with a local women’s shelter.
“What was good about that is, they could be vetting the requests for help, supporting the women with counseling, and making sure when we went in, the proper restraining orders were in place, or police were on hand if necessary,” Meathead’s CEO Aaron Steed told Good News Network.
Beth Raub, director of the local women’s shelter, said that one of their staff is always on-site the day of the move so they can “call law enforcement if things get dicey.”
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Since those days in 2000, the company has expanded into Santa Barabara, Ventura, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. Whenever they open a new office, within the first week, they head to a local women’s shelter and knock on their doors.
“It’s the special service we like to offer,” Aaron said on a phone call. “These moves became very personal to us, made all the employees so proud, and became part of our mission statement.” He also said the same services are offered to any victim of domestic violence–male or female.
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Yesterday, the company launched a new campaign that asks other businesses to “get creative” and help victims of domestic violence. Called #MoveToEndDV, the Meathead Movers hope to inspire others to rethink how they can work with shelters, or help women as they try to rebuild their lives and move into their first home or apartment.
“Some of our ideas are for businesses to offer free security systems, a dog kennel service, or for an auto-mechanic to provide oil changes,” Aaron said. “All those little things would help defer costs of starting over.”
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Their goal is to spark 100 new stories of businesses offering services, and form a like-minded community. Already they have received pledges from stylists for free haircuts, from a realtor offering rental searches, and a counselor who has offered to help.
“Were so excited about it,” said Aaron. “It brings so much more purpose and passion to our lives and if we can be an example for others, that is so much better.”
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This is fantastic. I wish I lived in southern California so I could hire these guys.
How wonderful, may this become national. you are true heroes
you, good sirs, deserve good health and happiness for the rest of your wonderful lives.xxx
Agreed. Open up shop in the North & South East! Word of mouth is the best marketing tool. Start with college kids and pass the word along!
Let us know when you expand so we can pass along your name to friends, family & college alumni!!
I can’t thank you enough for doing this service. I had to make such a move many years ago. Without the loving help of friends, I couldn’t have done it.
This is so great years ago I helped my sister leave we packed and had her out in four hours, with another moving company her ex had his own. The thing is I have to say how wonderful these guys are. We told the moving company what was going on and they moved fast to get it done and out but to have people like these two brothers is just wonderful. So thank you for being there to help these women and men and yes ive seen men have to leave abusive women as well. Thank you so much for doing this I hope it goes North America wide.
Excellent! Kudos cubed to these guys. If you ever expand into northern Cal, I’ll be sure to hire you guys for whatever move is needed. Again, thanks for stepping up to the plate where it counts.
Sure could have used these guys near the Palm Springs area 18 years ago! This is such a great thing. Kudos to them and much love from a survivor who says never give up!
this article made me cry…i lived with malignant narcissist and know that it means to be emotional abused…these guys are HEROES…simply HEROES…THANK YOU GUYS from my all heart , you truly even can’t realize your job and help importance…these women been neglected by anyone and you are the only one Guardian Angels in their lives…i can’t thank enough for your help for them…let your hearts been BLESSED with abundance…
Wish these guys were around when I needed help. I lost almost everything because I didn’t have the money or man power to get my belongings. I was forced to leave it all and had to start all over. It’s nice to know this company is out there helping women that are in that same situation. God bless!
This is so awesome guys!!! I wish they could have a company like this all over the country. There is so much need! This is just so cool!
This brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, thank you, thank you for what you’re doing. I’m going to share this on my network and I hope you get lots more paying clients and a lot more support.
Crystal Wright
Thank you, Crystal! I think 2020 will be a big year for GNN!
I’ve had to move 5/6 times In 2 years due to my abusive ex stalking me. The first time was leaving the situation, the rest were when he would find me. If this was available in NC, I would have very much used it.