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Editor's note: TPR's special coverage of the floods is centralized in a special blog from The Texas Newsroom.
Dozens of adults and children have died in the Guadalupe River floods. Survivors are trying rebuild their lives. People from throughout the region, the state and the nation have tried to assist them.
Review the resources and updates below for the latest on how people can get help and how other people are trying to help.
FEMA program offers free legal advice, case managers to talk to insurance companies
The federal government is providing more help to residents who are trying to rebuild their communities after the Guadalupe River floods.
In a statement on Thursday, Aug. 7, FEMA explained that its Disaster Care Management program offers case managers to help survivors with free legal advice.
The State Bar of Texas manages the legal services program, which offers free legal advice. It also offers a 24/7 hotline: 800-504-7030. If there is no answer, leave a message.
"Survivors can get advice on how to replace lost documents," the statement explained. "Lawyers can also answer insurance questions and advise about landlord-tenant issues, home repair contracts and contractors."
FEMA funds the overall program, which offers help to residents in Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties.
Case managers can assess damages to homes and help find temporary shelter. They can also help make sense of FEMA programs and "communicate with insurance companies, adjusters and utility companies."
The FEMA hotline is 800-621-3362 and is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Financial assistance may also be available to replace vehicles or to pay for moving expenses, child care or health care. The deadline to apply is Sept. 4. The fastest way to apply at DisasterAssistance.gov. More information is available here.
TWC and FEMA ready to help people with financial aid
People who have lost their jobs or income as a direct result of flooding that occurred between July 2 and July 18 may be eligible for financial assistance.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance Program is managed by the Texas Workforce Commission and funded by FEMA.
Eligible recipients must have lived, worked, or were scheduled to work in the six counties designated for assistance — Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties.
The deadline to apply is Sept. 4. Details are on the Texas Workforce Commission website.
Survivors from four more counties may now receive disaster assistance
In a statement on July 31, FEMA announced that "homeowners and renters in Guadalupe, Kimble, McCulloch and Menard counties are now eligible to apply for federal disaster assistance if you were affected by the Central Texas flooding in July."
It added that the state and federal government, along with the U.S. Small Business Administration, can help residents with "temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss and disaster loans."
It added that previously, "Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis and Williamson counties were designated for FEMA assistance, meaning survivors with losses in those counties could apply even if they do not live in the county or in Texas. A total of 10 counties are now designated for federal assistance under the major presidential disaster declaration for the July 2-18 severe storms and flooding in Central Texas."
Residents are encouraged to file a claim with their insurance companies first. If the companies can't cover all the expenses, FEMA may be able to step in to cover what remains. People have until Sept. 4 to apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Residents can receive emergency crisis counseling over the phone
Residents of flood-affected counties including Kerr and Burnet are eligible to receive emergency crisis counseling.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24 hours a day to call or text at 800-985-5990.
Options are available in various languages, including American Sign Language for videophone-enabled devices.
The helpline is managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and funded by FEMA.
Other eligible counties include San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, Williamson.
Texas extends deadline for SNAP replacement benefits through Aug. 18
Texas is extending the deadline to apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, replacement benefits through Aug. 18.
They allow recipients to use SNAP dollars to replace food that was destroyed or stolen.
The USDA initially approved SNAP replacement benefits for 21 Texas counties affected by flooding on July 4. Texas added five more counties: Hamilton, Lampasas, Maverick, Sutton, and Uvalde.
SNAP recipients can request replacement food benefits by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option seven.
Do you want to volunteer for the relief efforts?
The City of Kerrville said it has a process to deal with volunteers eager to assist with flood recovery efforts.
The Texas Department of Emergency Management is set up at Tivy Antler Stadium at 1310 Sydney Baker St. in Kerrville to register and check in volunteers.
All volunteers must register in advance at tcr.communityos.org. When they arrive at the auditorium, they'll undergo a safety briefing and sign waivers before they're assigned to do anything.
Officials say this organized effort will ensure a safe and effective response to the disaster.
1. Volunteers and In-Kind Donations
The following sites are accepting volunteers and material donations:
Salvation Army Kerrville
855 Hayes St., Kerrville, TX 78028
Phone: 830-465-4797
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Monetary Donations
Monetary contributions may be made to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- By mail:
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
241 Earl Garrett St., Kerrville, TX 78028
(Checks should be made payable to Kerr County Flood Relief Fund) - Other options for monetary donations include:
- Red Cross of Central and South Texas (for food, supplies, shelter, mental health support)
- Mercy Chefs (for meals for first responders)
- TEXSAR (for search and rescue)
3. Missing Persons
Individuals searching for missing loved ones are urged to contact the Emergency Operations Center
- Phone: 830-258-1111
- Email: kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov
- Include the person’s name, date of birth, gender, eye color, hair color, a recent photo and last known location.
4. Shelter and Displacement Assistance
Shelters are available for residents whose homes have been destroyed or who are currently displaced
- First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028. Phone: (830) 257-0800
- Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534, Kerrville – available for family support of the missing only.
5. Other Donations and Support
Donations of services and equipment can be coordinated through https://tcr.communityos.org/ including:
- Law enforcement resources (officers, K-9 units)
- Heavy equipment (such as bulldozers)
- Communications support (Wi-Fi boosters, satellite phones, etc.)
San Antonio Food Bank
Since July 5, the San Antonio Food Bank has provided food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to Kerrville as part of its flood relief efforts.
The Food Bank estimated that monetary donations in July were roughly double what they usually are.
Michael Guerra, the Food Bank's chief philanthropic officer, said that partnerships with Kerrville area non-profits are crucial its relief efforts.
“There's partners like Goodwill and Salvation Army," he explained. "So there's a lot of coordination that has to happen. And so the first days of response really are assessing, learning, listening and trying to avoid what could be the second disaster, and that's the wrong items donated in the wrong amount at the wrong time.”
The Food Bank estimated it could take a year to fully respond to the crisis.
To help, visit the Food Bank website to learn how to help.
Financial assistance from Kerrville Chamber of Commerce
In a statement, the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce more information about financial assistance for people and businesses impacted by the Guadalupe River flood.
- Business grant: The Kerrville Chamber of Commerce offers a grant, no repayment required, for $2,500. If you own a business or know a business that was directly impacted by the flood, please make sure they have applied for the funds. More information here.
- Vetted funding: Lift Fund connects people with a funding source that has been vetted by community bankers in Kerrville. They have two funding options. First option is for a $10,000 grant or the second option is for up to a $50,000 loan that is interest free with a 36-to-54-month repayment option. More information here.
- SBA disaster assistance: The Small Business Administration offers assistance too. More information here.
What are the other ways victims are getting help?
The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce recently shared more resources for people and businesses affected by the floods. Review its list of links through the Facebook post below.
Other assistance
- Emergency housing: Airbnb has partnered with the group All Hands and Hearts to provide temporary housing for first responders and people whose loved ones are still missing. Those in need of housing can write to texasflood@allhandsandhearts.org.
- Employment: Workforce Solutions Alamo said it would extend the hours at its Kerrville Career Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help people in the affected by the floods. It would offer wifi access, guidance on unemployment benefits, assistance for childcare providers, and job search and job placement services, among other services. More information here.
- Toyota: Toyota Motor North America said that it would also offer payment relief to affected customers. More information was available at Toyota Financial Services at 800-874-8822 or at its website. Lexus Financial Services customers can call 800-874-7050 or check its website.
- The NBA: The San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and the NBA Players Association provided more than $2 million to support immediate and long-term relief to those most impacted.
- Medical equipment: Project Mend, which restores medical equipment for reuse, provided wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, walkers and rollators to people affected by the floods. Find more information on its website or call 210-538-6136.
- Spina bifida needs: Spina Bifida Texas said it has items ready for families in need of incontinence supplies. Email office@sbtx.org to pick up supplies or have them delivered to you. For people who'd like to volunteer to deliver supplies, they may use the same email address. More information here.
- Autism: The Autism Society of Texas said that it is "is available to assist with autism-related help, guidance, support and resources including therapy referrals and grief resources at support@texasautismsociety.org or 512-479-4199. Services in English & Spanish available." More information here.
- Fundraiser for disabled: The Austin group Rolling with the Homies Social Support Group Has started a GoFundMe for people with disabilities who were affected by the floods. Learn more here.
Can people donate blood?
Donating blood is a simple act that’s always in demand — especially in emergency situations. View locations and schedules here.
FEMA offers assistance to disability community affected by floods
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing financial assistance for members of the disability community affected by recent floods in the Hill Country and Central Texas.
FEMA can cover the full cost of an exterior ramp, grab bars or a paved path of travel from a residents' vehicle to their home, provided the items are not covered by insurance or an outside source.
Eligible applicants may request certain items if residents' homes were storm-damaged between July 2 and July 18 in Central Texas.
Apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
