Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country

Weekly Update – April 20, 2026

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 Stability
  Access to stable shelter continues to improve. Currently, 165 households (362 individuals) remain in temporary housing as permanent solutions move forward.

  Rebuilding & Construction
  Rebuilding efforts continue to accelerate across the county.
  – 29 homes have now been fully reconstructed
  – 51 homes are actively under construction
  – 27 modular and RV homes have been repaired or replaced 

  Unmet Needs Fund
  The Community Foundation’s Unmet Needs Fund continues to address critical gaps for families navigating recovery:
  – 171 households helped
  – Average award: $4,828
  – Recent requests continue to focus on flood-related debris removal and property cleanup

Your Impact in Action: Hummingly Workshops

Recovery includes sustaining people doing the hard work every day.

Through support from the Community Foundation, the H.E. Butt Foundation and other funders, Hummingly workshops are helping leaders, teams and community supporters stay strong throughout long-term recovery.

So far, 129 participants across the county have taken part in workshops focused on resilience, leadership and team wellbeing.

Participants are walking away with practical tools they can use immediately. Every one who has participated has reported a stronger understanding of stress and burnout, and nearly all plan to apply new strategies to support themselves and their teams.

Just as important, they are not carrying the weight alone.

Participants shared that the workshops helped them feel less isolated, more confident and better equipped to navigate the ongoing demands of recovery.

“That what I have experienced is normal,” one participant shared.

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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Targeted investments are supporting bereaved families, first responders, educators and other impacted groups through dedicated funds, professional workshops and mobile mental health resources.

In The News: 

KCLC advances Tranquility Island lighting restoration following flood damage

The Kerrville Daily Times

You can keep up with the Community Foundation’s flood recovery efforts

in the news below:

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.

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.

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.

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.