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, 136 households (300 individuals) remain in temporary housing as permanent solutions move forward.
• To date, the Foundation’s Down Payment Assistance program has helped 19 flood survivor households achieve homeownership. 
• Rebuilding & Construction
  Rebuilding efforts continue to accelerate across the county.
  – 59 homes have now been fully reconstructed
  – 34 homes are actively under construction
  – 46 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:
  – 200 households helped
  – Average award: $4,967
  – Recent requests are now focusing on furniture and appliances, as more survivor households are coming home.

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 for the Reimbursement Program closes August 31, 2026.

Welcome Home: John Flowers

Recovery is about more than rebuilding homes. It is about helping people find stability, hope, and community again.

On the morning of July 4, Kerr County resident John Flowers awoke to floodwaters rushing into his home. In the hours and days that followed, he witnessed both the devastation left behind and the extraordinary compassion of those who stepped forward to help.

Family members, neighbors, volunteer groups, and local organizations rallied around John and others affected by the flood. From meals delivered by Ingram ISD coaches to support from recovery partners, each act of kindness helped lighten the burden of an incredibly difficult season.

With support from the Community Foundation, the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, and donors like you, John was able to begin moving forward.

Reflecting on the months since the flood, John says he has seen the very best of Kerr County.

“This community came together with extraordinary strength,” he shared. “I am a very thankful survivor.”

Because of you, survivors like John are finding the support they need to rebuild their lives and return home.

Hope for the Guadalupe: The River Will Heal

Austin PBS will air Hope for the Guadalupe on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. following Austin InSight, bringing the story of the July 4 flood and the ongoing recovery efforts across the Texas Hill Country to audiences throughout Central Texas. Check local listings for details.

The film will also air on PBS stations across Texas at 8 p.m. on July 1 and will be available to stream at pbs.org beginning July 1.

As we approach one year since the flood, we are grateful to the individuals, families and organizations who have shared their experiences to help document this chapter in our region’s history. Their stories reflect both the challenges communities have faced and the resilience, generosity and determination that continue to shape recovery today.

We encourage everyone to tune in and learn more about the people and places at the heart of this story.

Learn more about the film: hopefortheguadalupe.org

Strengthening Mental Health Across Our Community

Guided by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute’s Needs Assessment, the Community Foundation is making strategic, multi-year investments to strengthen mental health support across Kerr County.

These efforts include funding a Community Mental Health Navigator, expanding trauma and grief services, increasing access to care through a walk-in Emotional Support Drop-In Center, and supporting specialized resources for bereaved families, first responders, educators, and other impacted groups.

Together, these investments are helping ensure individuals and families can access the support they need throughout the long-term recovery process.

Explore mental health resources, support services and recovery initiatives at the Mental Health Resource Hub.

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.