Nearly a month after Domestic Violence Awareness Month, College HUNKS is reflecting on the support it provided for survivors who needed a safe move.
What started as an effort to help people who felt trapped during the pandemic has grown into a yearly program that reaches survivors across Tampa Bay and across nearly 200 franchise locations. This story traces how the program began, what happened this year and why it matters for the community.
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The beginning
The program began during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic. College HUNKS President Roman Cowan remembers worrying about people who had nowhere to go and no safe space to escape.
“You would read all these reports about domestic violence and people being trapped at home with their abusers,” he said. “My wife and I were talking about it every day.”
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Cowan knew the company had something unique to offer. As a moving and junk removal service, College HUNKS had trucks, teams and a mission to “move the world.” He shared the idea with the company founders, and the response was immediate. They agreed the company should step in and help survivors move to safety at no cost.
The challenge
The need was bigger and more complex than expected. Cowan had grown up around domestic violence in Jamaica and had seen family members navigate it.
” I think everyone knows someone who has lived through it,” he said.
COVID brought more tension. Survivors could not find private moments to reach out for help. Shelters were stretched. Families who left often had no place to go. Cowan and his wife frequently discussed the victims and the limited solutions available to them.
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Cowan also realized that leaving is only the first step. Survivors face obstacles that include housing, finances, child access and legal issues. Some need police present during the move. Some return to their abusers because of financial pressure. The company wanted to help, but it needed strong partnerships to do it safely.
What happened this year
This October, College HUNKS franchises once again offered free moving services to survivors of domestic violence. The Tampa team continued its close partnership with The Spring of Tampa Bay. Across the country, dozens of other franchises worked with certified shelters to coordinate safe exits.
During the month, College HUNKS moved between 20 and 25 survivors. The number reflects the cases handled directly with shelters, many of which now call the company year-round because of the trust that has been built over time. Some franchises have continued to offer free moves throughout the year as they grow closer to the shelters in their communities.
The impact extends beyond moving day. Cowan encourages survivors to apply for remote roles in the company’s call center. “We cannot promise jobs,” he said. “But we encourage survivors to apply. A stable income can make the difference between going back or moving forward.”
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Roman also shared that construction firms and other businesses have reached out to shelters with ideas for safe housing partnerships after learning about the College HUNKS initiative.
“We want to inspire other businesses,” Cowan said. “This is not about us. It is about shining a light on something we do not talk about enough.”
Why this matters
Domestic violence is ongoing long after October ends. Survivors often face cycles that are hard to break. A safe move can be the break that changes everything.
College HUNKS gives survivors a way out that does not depend on money, transportation or risking the safety of family or team members. Franchise owners coordinate directly with shelters to confirm safety. Some moves take place with police present. Some require careful timing. Each one demands compassion.
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For Tampa Bay, the program showcases how local businesses can leverage their unique strengths to address real-world challenges. It also encourages other companies to get involved in ways that align with their own resources.
“We try to do our part,” Cowan said. “We control what we can control. And we hope others will join us.”
What you can do
Community leaders can:
- Share shelter resources within their networks
- Support shelters like The Spring of Tampa Bay
- Encourage local businesses to offer practical resources
- Consider training teams on domestic violence awareness
Companies that want to help can reach out to local shelters to inquire about how to support survivors’ transitions. Many shelters need help with short-term storage, transportation, housing and job access.
What’s next?
College HUNKS plans to expand the program by focusing on the financial well-being of survivors. Cowan said the company is exploring partnerships with employers who may be open to hiring survivors even if they are not the most traditionally qualified candidates. The goal is to help survivors leave dangerous situations and stay out.
The company will continue its work with shelters nationwide and hopes to see more businesses join the effort.
Takeaway
Domestic violence is complex and often hidden. The work that College HUNKS does is just one piece of the larger response. Yet, each safe move becomes a turning point for someone ready for a fresh start.
As Cowan put it, “We want to make the world better while we are here.”
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