Despair And Repair: Self-Storage Industry Unites After Deadly Texas Flood

It's been 13 days since catastrophic flooding swept across Central Texas. In the early morning hours of America’s birthday, the water levels of the Guadalupe River rose rapidly, leading to flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and the Kerr Wildlife Management area to name a few. Today, the death toll stands at 134 people; another 101 individuals remain missing, and search operations are ongoing in Kerr County.

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott spoke about the heartache people are still feeling and how current weather conditions continue to hamper response efforts in Central Texas and in Kerr County. He also spoke passionately about how 25 different states have sent teams to Texas to help with the response. "One thing that’s quite obvious is that it doesn’t matter whether it’s a red state or a blue state,” he offered. “They are fellow Americans, and when times get tough, Americans come together … That is even more true as it concerns Texas.”

Self-Storage Support

As it often does in the wake of disasters, such as Hurricane Helene and the California wildfires, the self-storage community has come together to help out. Stepping up immediately as always was U-Haul, offering 30 days of free storage plus free U-Box rentals for those impacted by the floods.

Since 2015, the company has been an official Red Cross Disaster Responder, partnering with the military, local police, and fire departments to deliver relief supplies during devastating events. U-Haul’s resources span all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, making their help invaluable to the Red Cross.

“When people are in a jam, when disaster strikes, our hearts go out to them,” U-Haul CEO Joe Shoen told MSM. “We don’t want money. We have the space, so we let them use it.” 

“It’s just the right thing to do,” adds his daughter Royal, vice president of aviation at the company. “Helping within the community is important to us.” 

While U-Haul may be known for its trucks, it’s On The Move that’s lending theirs out to relief volunteers. Headquartered in Boerne, Texas, this family business, led by CEO CJ Stratte, commands the fourth largest truck fleet in the United States, but because they allow their clients to brand the trucks, most people wouldn’t know it. However, right now branding is the furthest thing from Stratte’s mind. “We are working hard trying to help out with the flood disaster,” says Stratte, making time for a very quick call. “We’re not working for a specific charity, but volunteers are using my trucks and storing stuff in my warehouse.”

Stratte has been coordinating relocatable units to be delivered to rescue workers to store their tools and equipment and to Hunt Independent School District (ISD) for storing donations. She’s also been supplying volunteer employee manpower and donating generators. Most recently, she teamed up with Mark Cieri, CEO of StorageDefender, an industry pioneer headquartered in Denton, Texas, that’s known for developing smart units as a service. “Working with Mark, we should be able to get more boots on the ground in the next month.” 

Cieri says the amount of devastation in Central Texas is deeply heartbreaking. “These people are on my mind and in my prayers, but actions speak louder than words, so we’re determining the best way to help after the initial recovery efforts,” he says. “I, and the team at StorageDefender, are ready to partner with anyone who wants to lend a hand. We’re not asking people if they need help. We’re simply going to offer it and provide it.”

Neighbor SBS Construction, also headquartered in Boerne, Texas, is making a difference as well. “Our team members have stepped up in meaningful ways to support recovery efforts,” says Dina Garcia, director of operations. “Some employees have helped with on-the-ground cleanup by covering the costs of heavy machinery and fuel. Others have donated to an organization composed of former Navy Seals that are involved in the search and recovery efforts.” [The organization prefers to remain anonymous.]

Garcia relates the story of how the spouse of one of SBS’ owners is actually a Certified Therapy Animal Handler and has been bringing their dog Hazel to relief stations. The pooch has done a lot to bring comfort to those impacted by the flood and those focused on recovery and repair. “All these acts of service highlight the compassion, generosity, and strong community values that define our team,” says Garcia. “We are honored to stand with our neighbors during this time of need.”

Dainelle Scott with Rise Property Group has also been organizing relief efforts, fielding calls and texts and doing her best to fulfil any request that comes in. She recaps some of their efforts on social media, from partnering with churches, fire departments, and the Hunt Fire Department and ISD to providing portable storage units to help volunteers sort and store donations in the months ahead. “We’ve delivered cots, bedding, hydration, protein, gloves, masks, first-aid supplies, and more to Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department; coordinated plumbing and electricity repair at the Center Point Fire Department so they can continue serving; and partnered with Keller Williams Realty–Kerrville to sort and deliver essential items to our church partner hub serving search and rescue teams and first responders.”

Scott also gives a shout out to City Hills Church, which provided breakfast and lunch to  Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department and the Intrepid Care Team for coordinating heavy equipment and boots on the ground.

Far From Over

Although the outpouring of support has been a blessing, it could be years before recovery is complete. Unfortunately, for some there will be no recovering from the tragedy. “The stories are horrific and it’s truly tough to comprehend,” says Aaron Swerdlin, vice chairman of leading commercial real estate advisement firm Newmark in Houston, Texas. “We are providing support in a few different ways, helping at a broader community level as well as assisting those impacted who are directly associated with the firm.”

“We don’t have trucks or nearby storage units, but we still wanted to help however we could,” said Noah Starr, CEO of TractIQ, a self-storage market intelligence platform based out of Texas. “We made a donation to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, and we hope others in the industry will do the same. Anyone can lend a hand this way, regardless of where you’re located.”

Although the scope of the tragedy can be overwhelming, and the stories gut-wrenching, Scott chooses to focus on the good. “It is amazing to watch our community step up to be connectors and the hands and feet of Jesus in a dark place.”

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Brad Hadfield is MSM's web manager and news/exclusives writer.

Cover Image: An America flag is stationed over caution tape on the banks of the Guadalupe River on July 06, 2025 in Kerrville, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)