Phillip’s Story

The Fireman and Paramedic Who Lost His Home While Saving Others

When Hurricane Helene struck, Phillip was doing what he’s done for more than 30 years — protecting his community. Phillip led search-and-rescue operations through floodwaters and chaos, helping others to safety. All the while, his own home was being destroyed.

After days of grueling, sleepless shifts, Phillip had nowhere to rest. The floodwaters had swallowed everything he and his wife had built — their home, their belongings, and the simple comforts that once brought him peace after long nights responding to emergencies.

The family never received an allowance for basic necessities. For months they survived through the kindness of neighbors who offered clothes, toiletries, and an Airbnb stay that has long since expired. Today, they are living with family in a cramped trailer, his belongings stored in the back of his truck.

Phillip still works 2 jobs and leases farmland and raises cattle on the side, hoping one day to earn enough to leave his second job behind. Farming is his therapy — his place of peace — but the storm took his tractor, mower, wood splitter, power tools, and equipment, leaving him without the means to rebuild that sanctuary.

When asked what he would wish for if he could wave a magic wand, Phillip said quietly,

“Short term — I’d love not to have to work that second job. Long term — I’d retire from firefighting and spend my days farming. That’s where my heart smiles.”

His wife dreams of retiring and having her own sewing room — a place to create, restore, and breathe again. Emerge Ministries, together with our donors, have committed to helping Phillip and his family find stability, restore their home, and reclaim the peace they’ve given so selflessly to others.

Phillip has spent his life running toward emergencies. Today, he is receiving our help. 

Emerge is building Phillip a 3BR, 2BA home on new land. The foundation is being laid for Phillip and his family to rebuild their new lives.

To support our efforts in rebuilding the lives of families like this and many others please consider donating to Emerge HERE.