Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country Weekly Update – February 9, 2026
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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.
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In one month after the Community Foundation announced additional investment for the LiftFund, 101 applications have been received and 50 small businesses have been approved for recovery support through the initiative. At this point in the recovery, Community Foundation grants have directly benefited 579 businesses in Kerr County and Comfort.
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This week there are 34 households in an Airbnb and 116 households in traditional leases - making up 450 people living in temporary housing funded by the Community Foundation.
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53% of the traditional lease clients are also receiving a utility stipend of up to $350/month to help with bills and expenses. 100% of Airbnb clients have their utilities paid as a part of rent.
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135 flood-affected households have received assistance through the Foundation’s Unmet Needs Fund for an average of $3,426 per household, with assistance on items like furniture, appliances and property taxes.
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Grantee Impact Story:
Listening to Kerr County: Resilience, Compassion, and Community-Driven Mental Health
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Jennifer Erasime is Senior Vice President of Regional Initiatives and Executive Director of Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in Dallas. Partnering with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Jennifer and her team conducted the Rapid Mental Health Needs Assessment to better understand the current mental health needs in Kerr County. Jennifer shares why listening directly to the community matters and how, together with the Community Foundation, this work helps strengthen support for local residents.
“The thing I love the most about the Kerr County community is their resilience and their compassion for one another … really showing up in a million little ways.” |
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You can keep up the Community Foundation below. |
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Grant Opportunities: Know a Nonprofit Working to Support Community Recovery? |
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has opened the Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund as well as the Community and Culture Fund application portal for nonprofits and public organizations serving Kerr County and Comfort. The first step - an online Letter of Interest - helps determine if the applicant’s mission and programs align with funding priorities. If your organization may benefit from this Fund’s priorities, you can learn more and begin the process below. |
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Recovery is a team sport! The Community Foundation has thus far provided $1.2 million in down payment assistance to nine Kerr County flood survivor households who have settled into new homes. This opportunity is a partnership between the Community Foundation, Connective, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, local realtors, local lenders, and the care and consistency of amazing case managers. |
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Mental Health Support for Bereaved Families 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
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For help connecting to counseling, grief support, or other mental health resources.
- Submit documentation for reimbursement or financial assistance: form.jotform.com/252924398743166
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Contact the Meadows Institute at 469-436-2371 with questions about eligibility or reimbursement
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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. |
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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. |
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Were you affected by the flood? |
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