When Disaster Hits Home
There’s a specific kind of heartbreak that comes with watching someone lose their home to fire. I’ve seen it too many times—the flashing lights, the smoke-stained air, the stunned families standing outside with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In those moments, people aren’t thinking about insurance or logistics. They’re thinking, What now? That question—What now?—is the reason I founded 911 BoardUp.
I didn’t set out to build a fire victim assistance program. I was already deep into the restoration industry, helping families and businesses recover from fire, water, and storm damage. But there was something missing in those early hours after a disaster. Before the cleanup. Before the rebuild. There was a gap. And that gap was filled with confusion, fear, and loneliness. I knew we could do better.
The Birth of a Better Response
911 BoardUp began as a simple idea: be there when people need it most. Not days later. Not after paperwork. Right now. Our teams are trained to respond immediately after first responders clear a scene. We show up not just to board up broken windows or secure a property, but to support the people inside. We offer resources, temporary housing connections, emergency supplies, and—most importantly—a human presence. Someone who understands. Someone who can say, “You’re not alone.”
What started as a small outreach quickly grew into a structured program with trained personnel, partnerships with fire departments, and a growing list of cities served. It’s not just about the physical damage—it’s about helping people navigate the emotional and practical chaos of a crisis.
More Than a Service—A Mission
When I talk about 911 BoardUp, I’m not talking about a business unit. I’m talking about a mission. Every time our team steps onto a scene, we know we’re stepping into someone’s worst day. Our job isn’t to sell a service—it’s to restore dignity, calm, and clarity in a moment of total upheaval.
I’ve seen what it means for someone to have a warm blanket placed around their shoulders, a bottle of water handed to them, or just someone to sit next to while the shock wears off. It may sound simple, but those moments matter. They become part of someone’s healing. And when we’re able to say, “We’ve got you,” and actually mean it—it makes a difference.
Collaboration with First Responders
One of the things I’m most proud of is how closely we work with fire departments. First responders do incredible work, but once the fire’s out, their role is often finished. That’s where we step in. We’re not replacing them—we’re extending their care.
By partnering with fire departments, we’ve built trust and created a seamless handoff that helps fire victims get the support they need right away. We’re often on scene within minutes, helping to secure the property, gather contact information, and offer guidance for what comes next. Firefighters have told us again and again how relieved they are to know there’s a compassionate team to carry the baton after they leave.
Long-Term Impact That Lasts
The truth is, 911 BoardUp doesn’t just help in the moment—it can change the entire recovery journey. When people are guided from day one, they avoid the traps and scams that often follow disasters. They make better decisions. They feel supported. They heal faster.
And that ripple effect goes further than you might think. Families who’ve received help from 911 BoardUp often become advocates in their communities. They come back and say, “You helped me when I needed it most. How can I give back?” That kind of full-circle impact is what fuels this work. We’re not just responding to emergencies. We’re building a network of compassion, one crisis at a time.
A Personal Responsibility
People often ask me why I stay so involved in the day-to-day operations of 911 BoardUp. The answer is simple: I’ve never forgotten what it feels like to face impossible odds. My own journey—from refugee to entrepreneur—taught me that when you’re in survival mode, even the smallest gesture can feel like a lifeline.
Starting 911 BoardUp wasn’t just about filling a gap in the industry. It was about honoring that experience. It was about making sure that no one facing a disaster ever feels invisible. And it was about creating a company culture where compassion is the standard—not the exception.
Looking Ahead
The need for this kind of work isn’t going away. In fact, as climate change and urban density increase, fire-related emergencies are becoming more frequent and more devastating. That’s why we’re expanding—training new teams, partnering with more municipalities, and refining how we respond.
But even as we grow, we’re holding tight to the heart of what makes 911 BoardUp different: showing up, caring deeply, and doing what’s right, no matter how big or small the need.
Answering the Call
At the end of the day, founding 911 BoardUp wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal calling. It’s what happens when you combine professional expertise with a heart for service. It’s what happens when you see a broken moment and choose to build something hopeful in its place.
I don’t know what each day will bring. But I do know this: when disaster strikes, 911 BoardUp will be there—not just to restore property, but to restore hope. One family, one fire, one moment at a time.