Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country

Weekly Update – January 26, 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.

• In just two weeks, since the Community Foundation's announcement of $10 million in additional funding for the LiftFund, 20 flood-affected businesses have already received support through this recovery initiative.   received grant support through this recovery initiative.
• 33 families are having their homes repaired or rebuilt by Habitat for Humanity Kerr County, with seven families already back home.
• 24 homes are in progress with Hunt Preservation Society, and nine families have already returned home.
• Four homes are currently under construction with All Hands and Hearts, with more builds expected to begin soon.

Kerr County Receives Roadmap for Post-Flood Mental Health Recovery

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute have released findings from a Rapid Mental Health Needs Assessment focused on Kerr County’s July 4 flood.

“This assessment moves us from anecdote to evidence,” said Dr. Andy Keller, CEO of Meadows Institute. “It provides a clear roadmap for local investment in both recovery and long-term resilience.”

The Community Foundation has identified four priorities for action:

• Improve awareness and navigation of mental health care
• Expand trauma- and grief-informed services
• Strengthen trusted community access points like schools and churches
• Provide targeted support for bereaved families and frontline helpers

“Recovery is not only what we can see,” said Community Foundation CEO Austin Dickson. “This data gives us direction for how to care for our neighbors long after the floodwaters recede.”

Grantee Impact Story:
Amy Hereford, president and CEO of LiftFund, shares why this work matters

“These are our neighbors,” she says. “Kerrville is family to us. And when disaster strikes family, you show up.”

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has awarded a $10 million grant to LiftFund to stabilize and grow small businesses impacted by the July 4, 2025 floods. With LiftFund’s experience in disaster recovery and deep commitment to Texas communities, the initiative delivers fast, flexible financial assistance to help businesses recover from physical damage, revenue loss and delayed reopenings.

Amy says long-term recovery for small businesses often takes years—but the Hill Country’s resilience stands out. “We’ve done this many times,” she says. “This is an incredible community. These business owners and employees are the heroes.”

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.

Mental Health Support for Bereaved Families Fund:

The Family Mental Health Care Fund, fully funded by the Community Foundation and managed by the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, provides counseling and financial support to families who lost loved ones in the July 4 floods. The Fund covers expenses that insurance will not and helps uninsured families find low or no cost care.

Get support:

• Call the Lucine Center Navigation Line: 832-244-9502 
  • For help connecting to counseling, grief support, or other mental health resources.
• Submit documentation for reimbursement or financial assistance: form.jotform.com/252924398743166
• Contact the Meadows Institute at 469-436-2371 with questions about eligibility or reimbursement 

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.

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.