Help Max and Zoe rebuild after a devastating house fire! Help them rebuild their lives and find a new home!

On November 15th, 2025, Max and Zoe's rental apartment in Dorchester suffered an electrical fire caused by old wiring in a lower floor's unit. Because the fire was inside the walls, it traveled up to their unit's ceiling through the empty wall cavities and crawl spaces. Max and Zoe were not at home at the time, so the fire department had to break the door down to open up the ceiling, thus exposing the smoke and ash damage in the attic. This all caused the total and devastating loss of their home, which they had lived in for the last three wonderful years. This had been their first solo home as a newlywed couple. It was a milestone home for them in many ways: this unit was the backdrop to many happy and core matrimonial and musical memories. It is also where they adopted their two street cats, Zephyr and Nimbus, from a local rescue.

The fire also meant the loss of their home music studio and work/recording spaces. Luckily, only a few instruments were (and only minorly) damaged, additionally luckily no animals nor humans were physically injured in the fire. The smoke and ash, however, ruined all electronic recording/sound equipment. Because of the insulation debris, smoke, ash, plaster, and poor air quality, additionally, Max and Zoe had to immediately move out. Zoe, Zephyr, and Nimbus were having problems breathing due to the air quality. After getting the cats a clean bill of health at the vets, the couple spent the entire holiday season packing up and moving. They had to get all their stuff out by Feb 1st; donating and giving away a large percentage of household goods to friends, family, and charities. They are extremely lucky that they have been able to stay with family during this challenging time: first with Max's mother until February and now with Zoe's parents until they find a new home. They would like to give a HUGE ROUND OF THANKS to their loving families who took them in!

Max and Zoe did have renters insurance. However, due to their income bracket, the insurance only covered part of the losses and is not the full amount of their losses, plus costs, plus rehousing. Three weeks ago, Max and Zoe finalized with their insurance company and received the final payment. Because construction to the unit continues ongoing, and therefore Max and Zoe will NOT be moving back into their home, but instead will need to find a new home. This GoFundMe is to help Max and Zoe cut their losses and break even on the damages and costs, while also helping them put some money into finding a new house. The funds from this drive will go directly to them to support them while they a) work to fix damaged instruments and studio equipment, b) look for housing, and c) help to secure a new home. The money will only be used to help Max and Zoe with fire recovery. (It is basically to break even and not go into debt due to the fire).

Here is the breakdown of damages:

$29,790.97 in property damages (or loss of property)

$1,180 in utility bills/subletting costs

$685 in travel expenses.

Approx $2,000 moving house costs

Totaled together, that is $33,655.97 in total expenses due to the fire.

On February 20th, they received their final insurance payment for a total of:

$22,933.15 (which was a cap for their insurance policy).

This leaves a total of $10,717.82 in losses. If just one thousand people donate just 10$, we will reach our goal! Anything is appreciated. If you cannot give, that is 100% completely fine... Please just share this fundraiser so we can reach as many people as possible! This is an extremely stressful time, and they truly appreciate anything from their wider community. Many thanks to their generous supporters and God bless you.

Written on behalf of Max and Zoe Ridley (and Nimbus and Zephyr!)