Catastrophic Flooding in Texas

Here's where to get help, and where to give it

Texas Hill Country was inundated Friday by as much as 15 inches of rain triggered by intense thunderstorms − half of the total the region sees in a year. The Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes.

The death toll has reached at least 70 people, with the hardest hit area being Kerr County. 11 children and a camp counselor remain missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp at the river's edge.

It’s unclear how many others are still missing along the Guadalupe, where thousands of people came from out of town to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.

Here are key resources if you or someone you care about is affected or if you want to help:

For Direct Relief:

• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund - Created by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, directing money to "vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts"

• Southern Oaks Church (122 Valley View, Kerrville) - collecting hygiene kits, baby essentials, clothing, food, comfort items

• Cross Kingdom Church (3044 Junction Hwy, Kerrville) - people can come by and grab donated items

• FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov site. Apply for help here

• Financial Assistance for Individuals

For Those at Distance:

• TEXSAR - Austin-based nonprofit with swiftwater rescue teams has deployed assets to hardest-hit Kerr County. They’ve raised over $400,000 so far toward their $500,000 goal. Donate here

• Austin Collection Points: Jester King Brewery (13187 Fitzhugh Rd) and Treaty Oak Distillery (16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs)

• NEEDS:

1. Hygiene Kits (High Priority & Always in Demand)
Pack in gallon-sized zip bags:

• -Toothbrush + toothpaste

• -Soap or body wash (travel size)

• -Shampoo & conditioner (travel size)

• -Deodorant (solid preferred)

• -Feminine hygiene products

• -Razors + shaving cream

• -Combs/brushes

• -Wet wipes

• -Hand sanitizer

• -Washcloths or small towels

2. Baby & Child Essentials

• -Diapers (especially sizes 3-5)

• -Baby wipes

• -Formula (ready-to-feed is best)

• -Bottles and nipples

• -Baby food pouches

• -Pacifiers and small comfort toys

• -Children's OTC meds (infant Tylenol, gripe water, diaper rash cream)

3. Clothing & Warmth

• -New socks (all sizes)

• -New underwear (men, women, children- only accepting new, not used)

• -Lightweight hoodies or fleece blankets

• -Flip flops or slip-on shoes (for showers/shelter use)

• -Ponchos or rain jackets

Note: Clothing must be new or gently used, CLEAN, and sorted by size/gender if donating.

4. Food & Nutrition

• -Ready-to-eat snacks (granola bars, nuts, trail mix)

• -Shelf-stable meals

• -Baby/toddler snacks

• -Electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade powder or Pedialyte)

• -Reusable water bottles

5. Comfort & Coping

• -Pillows, blankets, sleeping pads

• -Coloring books + crayons for kids

• -Journals + pens for adults

• -Playing cards or small games

• -Noise-canceling earplugs or eye masks

• -Stuffed animals (new)

6. Mobility & Convenience

• -Tote bags or drawstring backpacks

• -Flashlights + batteries (or solar/crank flashlights)

• -Phone charging cables + portable battery packs

• -Travel-size tissues

• -Ziplock bags (for storing small items)

7. Special Considerations

• -Pet food (small sealed bags for dogs/cats)

• -Reading glasses

• -Basic over-the-counter meds (Tylenol, ibuprofen, allergy meds)

For Survivors:

• Immediate help: American Red Cross, Salvation Army and local volunteer organizations can help with food, shelter and supplies

• Official reporting: Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool to report damage

• Legal help: State Bar of Texas disaster hotline (800-504-7030) for low-income Texans

• Mental health: Disaster Distress Helpline (800-985-5990) provides 24/7 support