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, 173 households (386 individuals) remain in temporary housing as permanent solutions move forward.
• To date, the Foundation’s Down Payment Assistance program has helped 17 flood survivor households achieve homeownership. 
• Rebuilding & Construction
  Rebuilding efforts continue to accelerate across the county.
  – 38 homes have now been fully reconstructed
  – 47 homes are actively under construction
  – 28 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:
   – 178 households helped
   – Average award: $5,119
   – Recent requests continue to focus on flood-related debris removal and property cleanup

New Program: Reimbursement

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country now offers reimbursement assistance for flood survivors who have paid for eligible repairs and expenses out of pocket. If you paid for qualifying costs before learning about available programs, you may still be eligible to apply.

Please contact your case manager. If you are not yet enrolled in Rebuild Kerr, complete the Needs Assessment at RebuildKerr.org to get connected with a Disaster Case Manager who can guide you through all available program options.

The application window is open May 1 through August 31, 2026.

Your Impact In Action: Episcopal Diocese of

West Texas

“The character of this community is that people are willing to go above and beyond and be of service, even despite having lost themselves,” said Jody Guerra of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

With support from the Community Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas and Episcopal Relief & Development are helping families who lost everything begin again.

Funding is helping provide new RVs for families displaced by the flood, giving them a safe and stable place to live as they navigate recovery.

“The Foundation is clearly focused on continual support and being a good steward of the gifts that came in during those early days,” he shared. “People need to know that three months, six months, or even a year down the road, there will still be support there.”

Families are finding stability, hope, and the reassurance that they are not facing recovery alone.

“Hope for the Guadalupe” Premieres

Across Texas This Month

A new documentary film from Fin & Fur Films, supported in part by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is bringing the story of the Guadalupe River recovery effort to audiences across Texas.

Directed by Ben Masters and produced by Josh Winkler, “Hope for the Guadalupe” documents the devastating impact of the July 4, 2025 floods and follows the restoration work led by biologists, landowners and conservationists across the Hill Country.

In tandem with the film’s release, the Community Foundation also launched the Hope for the Guadalupe Fund to support long-term river restoration efforts led by the Hill Country Alliance, San Antonio Botanical Garden, Kerr County River Foundation and Hunt Preservation Society.

The film premieres May 12 at the Water, Texas Film Festival in Austin, followed by screenings in Kerrville on May 14, San Antonio on May 15, Dallas on May 19, Houston on May 21 and Wimberley on May 31. The film will also expand to a statewide theatrical release at Alamo Drafthouse locations from May 31 through June 2.

Tickets and additional details are available at hopefortheguadalupe.org.

Houston Partners Providing Long-Term Grief Support

Last week, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country visited two Houston-area partners supporting children, families, and flood survivors as they process grief and trauma after the July 4 floods.

Through multi-year grants from the Community Foundation, both Nick Finnegan Counseling Center and Bo’s Place are providing no-cost counseling, grief groups, and licensed therapeutic services for families affected by the flood.

Nick Finnegan Counseling Center offers licensed therapy and grief support for children, families, and individuals across the Houston area. Its team is providing flood-related services at no cost, helping families find steady support during an incredibly difficult season. Pictured with Austin are Mary Elizabeth Hand, Executive Director of the Center, and Anna Crain, LCSW, Outreach Director.

The Foundation also visited Bo’s Place, a longtime resource for children, adults, and families navigating loss through individual and group grief support programs. Its work is now extending to families in Greater Houston affected by the Hill Country floods. Pictured with Austin are Bo’s Place staff members and Raisin, the stuffed Labrador given to clients as part of the organization’s child-centered approach.

Recovery reaches far beyond the flood zone. These partners are helping ensure families have compassionate, professional support for the road ahead.

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.

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.

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.