Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country Weekly Update – March 30, 2026
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Over the past month, Kerr County has continued to move forward with steady, purposeful progress. It’s incredible to witness!
Families are coming home. Walking through the front door again signals that recovery is taking hold and a new chapter is beginning. At a recent welcome home event in Bumble Bee Hills, the sense of peace and relief was unmistakable. The homeowner shared, “I have slept the best I have in seven months the first night I was home.” At the same time, the temporary housing program ensures those still navigating their next steps remain supported, and the Unmet Needs Fund continues to help households secure the essentials required for full recovery.
Partnerships remain central to this progress. Local builders and nonprofit organizations are working side by side to move recovery forward. Case managers—local people serving through trusted organizations—are walking with families every step of the way home. Mental health services are being integrated into the community through these same local relationships. The Foundation’s investments in housing, mental health, and infrastructure reflect a commitment to addressing both the visible and less visible needs of recovery.
At the nine-month mark, meaningful progress is evident, alongside a community that continues to show up for one another. Recovery is not finished—but the work continues, with focus, discipline, and resolve. -Austin Dickson, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country |
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Grantee Spotlight: Ingram’s Little League Ballpark
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In Ingram, opening day means more this year.
After the July 4 flood, the future of Ingram Little League was uncertain. Today, the fields are full again with kids, families and a community that showed what partnership can do. Alongside organizations like the Houston Astros Foundation, Texas Rangers Foundation, Major League Baseball and others, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country helped support nearly $3 million in contributions to rebuild this space for the next generation. Houston Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane marked the moment with a ceremonial first pitch, a reminder of how many stepped up to help bring this field and this community back together. Building new ball fields also builds the next chapter for our community. |
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Supporting Those Who Support Recovery: Leadership Lessons by Hummingly Foundation |
Two upcoming workshops in Kerrville are designed to support the people leading and sustaining disaster recovery efforts across the Hill Country. Each session offers practical tools to help teams stay effective, resilient and supported throughout long-term recovery work.
March 30
Leadership Lessons to Lighten the Load
A workshop for leaders guiding teams through the complexities of long-term recovery. |
March 31 Keeping Your Team Strong
Focused on strengthening teams and building resilience during extended recovery efforts. |
Both workshops are facilitated by the Hummingly Foundation and provide actionable strategies participants can bring back to their organizations. |
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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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