Rebuilding Hope in the Hill Country Weekly Update – March 9, 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. -
Access to stable shelter continues to improve. Currently, 153 households (337 total residents) are staying in temporary housing as longer-term solutions progress.
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Rebuilding efforts are gaining momentum. Nineteen homes have now been fully reconstructed, and construction crews are actively working on 55 additional properties across the county.
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Homeownership recovery is also moving forward. Fourteen flood-affected families have received down payment assistance, and one additional family is closing on their new home this morning at a local title company.
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Meanwhile, Episcopal Relief & Development, the Community Foundation’s partner helping repair and replace modular homes and recreational vehicles used as primary residences, has expanded its staffing to meet the growing demand for this work.
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Recovery Spotlight: Community in Action
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For more than 40 years, Kerrville Drug Co. has been a part of the Kerrville community. Owner Melissa Schmidt purchased the pharmacy three years ago after working there for nearly a decade.
Beyond filling prescriptions, the pharmacy supports the community through retail services, long-term care and hospice support, immunizations, and deliveries across Hunt and Ingram.
After the flood, the Kerrville Drug team quickly stepped in to help. Donations from across the country helped create a fund to replace flood survivors’ lost medications and provide essential supplies to families and emergency responders.
Despite financial strain from rising costs and disrupted summer business, disaster relief funding through LiftFund, supported by the Community Foundation, helped stabilize operations so the pharmacy could continue serving the community.
Looking ahead, Melissa hopes to expand services and reach even more families across Kerr County while continuing the pharmacy’s mission of caring for the community. |
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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