“Everyone in the community is hurting,” Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, told the press as the catastrophic Texas floods continued on.
Torrential rains caused flash floods to sweep through central Texas on July 4; at time of reporting, the confirmed death toll sits at 70 people across six Texas counties. Twenty-two people killed in the disaster have yet to be identified.
In Kerr County, officials reported that 38 adults and 21 children were part the death toll. Among those killed are girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp for girls situated on the River Guadalupe, which was looking after more than 700 children. The majority were evacuated safely to higher ground. According to local authorities, 11 campers and one counselor remain missing.
“This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers,” a statement from the camp said.
President Donald Trump has reportedly signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, “to ensure that our brave first responders immediately have the resources they need,” he wrote on social media. More than 850 people have been rescued by authorities and emergency responders.
Trump continued: “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives.” He signed off: “GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
The Trump administration has already faced criticism for its cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which Democrats and climate advocates and organizations say could impact efforts to prepare for dangerous weather events.
As first responders continue their search for the dozens missing—and with more rain forecast for some of the hardest hit areas in Texas—disaster-relief charities and organizations have hit the ground across Texas Hill Country to help people impacted by the Texas floods.
Below, a list of organizations and charity platforms you can contribute to.
Grants from the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund will support nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts.
The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. Donate here.
The World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, is working from Kerrville to provide food to evacuated people in need of immediate relief and resources, as well as to responders and emergency personnel on the front lines. Donate here.
The crowdfunding platform has published a page of verified fundraisers for individuals, first responders, and nonprofits on the ground. Read the list and donate to verified funds here.
The American Red Cross Central and South Texas chapter has established and is supporting local emergency shelters that provide refuge, food, relief supplies, and other critical resources like financial and family travel assistance. They are also providing Disaster Mental Health volunteers, as well two reunification centers that will help reconnect families and loved ones. Find out more here.
You can donate to their efforts here. The American Red Cross has also reiterated that donating to your local blood bank can be helpful in times of crisis. Right now, there is a particular need for Type O blood in the United States. You can make an appointment here or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
The Salvation Army Kerrville is coordinating monetary donations as well as non-perishable food items, diapers, socks, baby wipes, trash bags, shovels, hygiene items, bleach, and brooms. These donations can be brought to the Social Services office at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville. The Salvation Army is also accepting local volunteers.
Austin Pets Alive! is seeking support for displaced pets and looking for people to foster animals (many temporarily while affected families get back on their feet). So far, the group has taken in over 50 animals. The organization is supporting Kerrville Pets Alive! and Wilco (Williamson County Animal Shelter) as they take in animals from the Kerr and Williamson counties.
You can also donate supplies including flea/tick meds, vaccines, airline kennels for medium to large dogs, potty pads, zip ties, x-pens, martingales, wire crates, small bags of food, canned food for dogs and cats, and cat and dog carriers.
Volunteers are needed to drive to pick up animals and bring supplies; support the intake, care, and placement of animals; accept and sort supplies; and help with data entry. Sign up to volunteer here and donate to the fund here.
To keep up with their work, follow them on social media.
TEXSAR is a nonprofit first responder organization, providing specialized services including ground search and rescue; flood and swiftwater rescue; K9 search, rescue, and recovery; disaster relief services; aerial search; and UAV support. Over 45 trained TEXSAR volunteers have been deployed to Kerrville to help with search and rescue efforts. Donate to their work here.
Mercy Chefs is a disaster relief nonprofit organisation based in Virginia, which is currently on the ground in Kerr County providing free, hot, chef-prepared meals to impacted families, first responders, and volunteers. Already, Mercy Chefs have served hundreds of people. People can visit the meal site at Citywest Church for lunch between 11a.m.—1p.m., and dinner from 4–6p.m. Mercy Chefs is accepting tax-deductible monetary donations to support meal operations. Donate and learn more here, and follow along with efforts on social media here.
