Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country

Weekly Update – December 15, 2025

Your support in action this week: 

In the wake of the July 4 floods, neighbors across the Hill Country continue to show up for one another. Here’s a quick look at the progress your support is making possible.

Weekly stats:

• More than 25 grantee partners joined the Community Foundation to discuss current recovery efforts and next steps. Disaster relief expert Angela Blanchard delivered the keynote address.

• Over 600 households have been assigned a case manager; we are thrilled to note that the waitlist has been cleared, and every family in the Rebuild Kerr Needs Assessment has been assigned a case manager.
• 28 households have applied for the Unmet Needs Fund, a resource that supports up to $7,500 - and in some circumstances up to $15,000 - for unmet needs of families.
• 113 households are in temporary housing (an Airbnb or rental homes) with support from the Community Foundation. Residents in temporary housing may stay – at no-cost - for up to 12 months from the date of move-in.
• Home repair and rebuilding continues. The Foundation has three grantees currently doing this crucial work: All Hands and Hearts, Habitat for Humanity Kerr County, and the Hunt Preservation Society. As of today, four homes are complete, 50 are under construction. All four completed homes are in Ingram; two of the four completed homes are in Bumble Bee Hills.
• The Community Foundation is funding the replacement of Camp Meeting Creek Bridge on the Kerrville River Trail as well as replacing memorial benches, receptacles, and picnic tables along the River Trail. This grant will help our community get back on its feet and back on the Trail!

Grant Opportunity: Know a Nonprofit Working to Support Community Recovery? 

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has opened the Community and Culture Fund questionnaire for nonprofits and public organizations serving Kerr County and Comfort. This first step helps determine if your mission and programs align with funding priorities such as community spaces, arts and cultural revitalization, river and riparian restoration, public safety and small business recovery.

If your organization may benefit from this Fund’s priorities, you can learn more and begin the process below.

Mental Health Fund:

The Family Mental Health Care Fund, fully funded by the Community Foundation and managed by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, provides counseling and financial support to families who lost loved ones in the July 4 floods. The Fund covers expenses that insurance will not and helps uninsured families find low or no cost care.

Get support:

• Call the Lucine Center Navigation Line: 832-244-9502 
  • For help connecting to counseling, grief support, or other mental health resources.
• Submit documentation for reimbursement or financial assistance: form.jotform.com/252924398743166
• Contact the Meadows Institute at 469-436-2371 with questions about eligibility or reimbursement 

How to get help:

The Community Flood Recovery Needs Assessment is helping identify what Hill Country families need most after the July 4 floods, from housing repairs and financial strain to emotional and mental health challenges. This survey guides how recovery resources are directed and helps ensure assistance reaches every neighbor who needs it.

If your household was affected by the storm, or if you know someone who was, please take a moment to complete or share the assessment.

Impact Story: Annette and Gary

“How can you express that kind of feeling that you get? You’re going home again.” 

Annette and Gary’s story captures what recovery looks like in real time — loss, hope and the steady work of rebuilding with a community behind them.

Theirs is one of many stories of how our community can make a real impact when we come together.

Community Data

The Needs Assessment, launched August 4, 2025, provides a clear picture of what flood-impacted households need most, including housing repairs, financial support and health services. This information helps recovery partners target resources where they can make the most impact.

Rebuild Kerr Forum - A Community Foundation Grantee Gathering 

Last week, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country had the privilege of gathering with many of our grantees and community partners.

Throughout the day, speakers shared insight, encouragement and reminders of the impact we create when we work together toward long-term recovery.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We are grateful to walk alongside you as we continue supporting families and strengthening our community.

Were you affected by the flood? 

Please complete our needs assessment, and a case manager will be in touch with you. 

Click here for Needs Assessment.