This October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving is covering the full cost of relocating Helpmate’s domestic violence shelter in Buncombe County. The move represents more than a change of address; it will allow the shelter to serve more women fleeing dangerous situations.

The move comes as Helpmate prepares to open Joy’s House, a new 23,000-square-foot emergency shelter that will increase the organization’s capacity from 20 beds to 43. The expansion addresses a critical need for emergency housing in Buncombe County, where limited shelter space has forced Helpmate to seek accommodations in neighboring counties for survivors fleeing abuse.

The need is significant. Over the past year, nine out of 10 survivors who stayed at Helpmate’s shelter were assessed as being at extreme risk for homicide. During that same period, Helpmate provided approximately 7,329 nights of emergency shelter, while another 435 families could not be accommodated because space was unavailable. Joy’s House is designed to change that. 

“Expanding our shelter means we can provide a safe place for more survivors taking the difficult step of leaving an abusive situation,” said April Burgess-Johnson, executive director of Helpmate. “Having College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving cover the cost of this move is an incredible help, allowing us to focus our resources on the survivors we serve and the support they need as they work toward a safer future.”

Joy’s House is designed to provide more than emergency beds. The new facility will feature 25 efficiency suites of varying sizes to accommodate individuals and families, along with shared kitchens, dining areas, meeting rooms and indoor and outdoor spaces for children. Accessibility features, including ADA-compliant rooms and an elevator, will help meet the needs of survivors with disabilities.

The relocation is part of College H.U.N.K.S.’ broader Safe Moves initiative, which helps remove practical barriers that can prevent domestic violence survivors from reaching safety. Throughout October, the company is partnering with domestic violence organizations nationwide to provide moving assistance for survivors transitioning to safe housing.

“Leaving an abusive situation is incredibly complicated, and the physical move should not be another barrier to safety,” said Anne Smith, owner of College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving of Asheville. “By covering the cost of Helpmate’s move, we’re helping the organization expand its ability to serve survivors and dedicate more resources to the people who need them most.”

College H.U.N.K.S. launched the Safe Moves program during the COVID-19 pandemic to help address the logistical and financial challenges survivors may face when leaving an abusive home. Through partnerships with local shelters and nonprofit organizations, the program provides moving assistance to help survivors transition to safer environments while prioritizing their privacy and security.

Helpmate has served survivors of intimate partner domestic violence throughout Buncombe County for decades, providing free and confidential services that include emergency shelter, safety planning, crisis intervention, counseling, court advocacy, housing assistance and support for children. The organization works with survivors to address the practical challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and building a safer, more stable future.

The new shelter is named in honor of Joy Henderson, Helpmate’s former shelter director, who retired in 2025 after 30 years with the organization. During her tenure, Henderson supported thousands of survivors and their children through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Source: College H.U.N.K.S Hauling Junk & Moving.