This moving company helps domestic violence victims flee abusive homes for free

It may not be obvious, but many victims of domestic violence seek help fleeing from their abusive homes through movers and packers. This is a learning that the Meathead Movers discovered shortly after they were in business. Aaron and his brother Evan Steed are the co-founders of the moving company and ever since they established their business 23 years ago, they have been fielding calls from domestic abuse victims and survivors. Though they have been in sticky situations before, the duo will always be happy to help victims flee abusive homes for free, CNN reports.

At present, Meathead Movers is a for-profit company that employs student-athletes. Recalling one of the calls the company once received, Aaron shared, "Their husband or boyfriend is on a business trip or away for two days. [She said], 'I just need to get out and get out now.'" During another situation, the victim's husband surprised them as the move was underway. He shared, "He accused us of stealing his items. He screamed for us to put things down. A toaster oven was thrown." Things subsequently got violent and the police were called. That is when the Steed brothers came to a realization. "We are not domestic violence professionals," Aaron shared. "We are movers that want to help."

And their help has not gone unnoticed. Several victims have come forward to share their stories, thanking the Meathead Movers for their kindness. Dulce Flores, a victim who the company once helped move into a new home, shared, "They did it with such pride and love. They wouldn't let me lift a thing! Not even light stuff. They said, 'No, it's an honor to be here.'" She and her two children fled an abusive home and were placed into an emergency safe house by The Marjaree Mason Center, a social services organization. "If I stayed, we would have fought," Dulce explained. "I didn't want it to get physical. I was afraid I might fight back, and I didn't want my kids to lose both of us." The Meathead Movers help women like Dulce restart their lives and keep their families safe.

In 2019, the moving company helped move 60 families in collaboration with the Marjaree Mason Center. Nicole Linder, the center's executive director, told CNN, "It takes partners like Meathead Movers to step up. What I appreciate is that they challenged others to lead the way. It is imperative that businesses donate part of their time and resources so that survivors can lead a successful life. I want abusers to know there are people like Meathead Movers that will stand up and help people who feel trapped in their home, being abused by the person supposed to love them."

When the Meathead Movers first started, they would ask clients to pay whatever they felt like. They were unable to pay an hourly wage and could not offer negotiated breaks. Eventually, they expanded into a large and successful enterprise. Their yearly revenue exceeds $20 million and they employ over 700 people. For the Steed brothers, the change they make is more important. "If you are able to find a way to express purpose, to make a change, there will be so much purpose in your life," Aaron affirmed. "It brings way more purpose and passion to a business than just moving around some boxes."