Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country Weekly Update – June 1, 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 Stability
Access to stable shelter continues to improve. Currently, 176 households (390 individuals) remain in temporary housing as permanent solutions move forward. -
To date, the Foundation’s Down Payment Assistance program has helped 18 flood survivor households achieve homeownership.
- Rebuilding & Construction
Rebuilding efforts continue to accelerate across the county.
– 50 homes have now been fully reconstructed
– 36 homes are actively under construction
– 44 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:
– 180 households helped
– Average award: $5,445
– Recent requests are now focusing on furniture and appliances, as more survivor households are coming home.
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LiftFund National Conference in Kerr County |
LiftFund, a Community Foundation grantee, is a national nonprofit based in San Antonio that supports small businesses through its work as a community development financial institution. In January, the Community Foundation announced a $10 million investment to bring LiftFund’s expertise, technical assistance, grants, and zero-percent interest loans to flood-affected businesses in Kerr County and Comfort.
The partnership began just one week after the flood, when the Foundation made an initial investment in LiftFund on July 11, 2025. Since then, LiftFund has become a key partner in helping local businesses recover and strengthening the region’s economic stability.
To date, LiftFund has made 87 grants and closed 47 loans to flood-affected businesses. These investments are helping businesses reopen, retain employees, restore local services, and support the long-term economic recovery of the Hill Country.
To recognize National Small Business Month in May, LiftFund held its national conference in Kerr County. The multi-day event included a summit at the Arcadia Theater, where local business leaders Steve Edelstein, owner of Sedelstein Properties (Ingram Dam Center), Melissa Schmidt of Kerrville Drug Company, and Community Foundation CEO Austin Dickson discussed the ongoing needs of small businesses and the important role economic recovery plays in rebuilding the community after the flood.
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Reimbursement Program Launched |
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. |
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Impact In Action: Light on the Hill |
In Kerr County, recovery is powered by neighbors helping neighbors. “I think what makes this community really special is the people,” said Beth Palmer of Light on the Hill. “This community is full of neighbors helping neighbors.” With support from the Community Foundation, organizations like Light on the Hill are receiving training, guidance, and support that strengthen their ability to walk alongside families through recovery.
Palmer shared that partnerships with the Community Foundation and Connective have helped the Light on the Hill team learn, grow, and better serve the community during an incredibly difficult season. The Community Foundation’s role in long-term recovery, she says, has been rooted in listening.
“They’ve been so open to listening to disaster case managers and the people working directly with families,” Palmer shared. “We’re already seeing new programs and expanded support because they’re listening to the needs of the community.” |
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.
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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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