Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country Weekly Update – February 16, 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.
- Housing remains a top priority for the Community Foundation, with 116 households in traditional leases and 36 in local Airbnb placements, supporting approximately 450 individuals living in temporary housing as permanent solutions move forward.
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Recovery is shifting toward long-term housing stability, with 13 families already receiving down payment assistance and more than 160 families pursuing solutions such as RV replacement, home repair and full rebuilds. There are 10 construction projects already complete!
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Through the Unmet Needs Fund, 148 households have received support to cover essentials like furniture, vehicles and property taxes.
- Following the Foundation’s additional investment in LiftFund, 64 small businesses have been approved for recovery support, with 57 percent located in Hunt or Ingram.
- To date, nearly 600 businesses in Kerr County and Comfort have benefited from Community Foundation grants, helping stabilize the local economy as owners rebuild and rehire.
- At this stage, recovery is defined by sustained support that keeps families housed, businesses open and the community moving forward.
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Grantee Spotlight:
Welcome Home Trolinger Family
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When the floodwaters rose on the morning of July 4, 2025, Brenda and Mike Trolinger were home in Ingram. They escaped just in time. After getting Brenda to safety at a neighbor’s house, Mike went back into the storm to help others. They survived, but their home was lost.
As the community searched for ways to help, local vendors donated materials to Kerrville Design Build. News outlets helped spread the word. Then the Community Foundation’s Rebuild Kerr initiative stepped in and funded the Trolingers’ whole-home reconstruction.
The Trolingers have now returned home!
The rebuild was led by Kerrville Design Build, a local building company, who was on hand for the “welcome home” event last week. Dr. Bill Blackburn offered a house blessing, Hunt Baptist Church provided a family bible, and H-E-B provided groceries to help the family settle in. It was a joyful reminder that recovery is both physical and emotional. Rebuilding a home restores more than shelter. It restores hope! |
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Strengthening Mental Health Across Our Community |
The full Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s Needs Assessment outlines four strategic areas the community must activate to address both existing and emerging mental health challenges following the July 4 flood. The Community Foundation is committed to advancing each of these priorities through thoughtful, multi-year investments. - Awareness and Navigation Supports
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The Foundation is investing in mental health navigation and awareness efforts, including a three-year grant to fund a Community Mental Health Navigator who connects individuals and families to timely, compassionate care.
- Trauma and Grief Capacity
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Multi-year grants to local partners are expanding trauma and grief services, strengthening counselor capacity and equipping parents, educators and helping professionals to respond to disaster-related loss.
- Community Access Points
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The Foundation is increasing barrier-free access to care by fully funding a walk-in Emotional Support Drop-In Center and exploring expanded services in schools, faith communities and through telehealth.
- Specialized Care
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Targeted investments are supporting bereaved families, first responders, educators and other impacted groups through dedicated funds, professional workshops and mobile mental health resources.
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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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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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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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