This July's flash floods devastated Central Texas as the Guadalupe River rose to more than 26 feet in about 45 minutes, per state officials. In the days since, the death toll has climbed to at least 109 people, with 161 people still missing. One of the areas hit hardest by the terrible flood was the storied all-girls Camp Mystic, which has confirmed 27 young campers and counselors died over the weekend, though five campers and a counselor are still unaccounted for as of Tuesday, July 8.
According to local reports, more than 850 people have been rescued by emergency responders so far, including one hero Coast Guard swimmer who reportedly saved 165 people at Camp Mystic alone.
As rescuers continue their search for survivors, roughly 5 million Central Texans remain under flood watch. Steadfast volunteers are tirelessly working around piles of debris, overturned cars, and blocked roadways, and doing all they can to rescue and recover those in harm's way.
They say Texans are a legendarily hardy people, but even we have our limits. This disaster has tested our resources, but not our grit and gumption. Texans have a "get done what needs doing" sort of work ethic, and we're seeing that now on the ground in Central Texas and around the state. Helpers and heroes have descended on Hill Country, and we’re grateful for it. While we're not out of the woods yet, many of our neighbors are organizing, activating, and mobilizing already.
Here's how you can help.
Donate Money to Trusted Organizations
Many folks near and far are looking to lend a helping hand; cash donations are most effective because they allow relief groups to allocate resources as needed.
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
- Texas Search and Rescue: Supporting swiftwater teams, K9, boats, and drones.
- World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, and Operation BBQ Relief are all feeding first responders and families.
- Southern Oaks Church, located at 122 Valley View in Kerrville, is accepting specific physical donations at the church but for those who aren't local, you can donate online (and please do if you can!).
- Airbnb.org is a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis. They are providing free emergency housing to people impacted by flooding in Central Texas. You can sign up to host or donate online, with 100% of donations going toward funding emergency stays.
Boots on the Ground – Don't Self‑Deploy
Uncoordinated volunteers can hinder rescue efforts, congest roads, or even jeopardize safety, so authorities strongly caution against self-deployment into affected zones—roads are congested, waters are still unstable, and rescue efforts are already underway. It's crucial to coordinate through official channels to make your help count—and to stay safe.
- TEXSAR seeks skilled swiftwater, search and rescue volunteers; register via their site.
- Religious and community groups like Texans on Mission are mobilizing muck‑outs, food distribution, logistics, and support roles.
Donate Specific Items (only when AND where needed)
- Give gift cards and monetary support via Southern Oaks Church, rather than donating used physical items.
- Support animal rescue organizations like Kerrville Pets Alive! and Austin Pets Alive! to help provide supplies and funds for displaced animals.
- Food drives are happening in San Antonio and Austin, places like Waterloo Records and Radio Coffee & Beer are collecting essentials.
For current information on relief efforts and volunteer opportunities, please check with local Kerr County emergency management offices. And, always be sure to vet and confirm the legitimacy of any organization you support.
Recovery efforts will continue for months, and sustained support will be needed long after the flood waters dry. This disaster has tested us as a community, but it's also shown the incredible strength, bravery, and generosity of our fellow Texans. In true Lone Star state spirit, we'll stand by our neighbors through every step of the rebuilding process.
This July's flash floods devastated Central Texas as the Guadalupe River rose to more than 26 feet in about 45 minutes, per state officials. In the days since, the death toll has climbed to at least 109 people, with 161 people still missing. One of the areas hit hardest by the terrible flood was the storied all-girls Camp Mystic, which has confirmed 27 young campers and counselors died over the weekend, though five campers and a counselor are still unaccounted for as of Tuesday, July 8.
According to local reports, more than 850 people have been rescued by emergency responders so far, including one hero Coast Guard swimmer who reportedly saved 165 people at Camp Mystic alone.
As rescuers continue their search for survivors, roughly 5 million Central Texans remain under flood watch. Steadfast volunteers are tirelessly working around piles of debris, overturned cars, and blocked roadways, and doing all they can to rescue and recover those in harm's way.
They say Texans are a legendarily hardy people, but even we have our limits. This disaster has tested our resources, but not our grit and gumption. Texans have a "get done what needs doing" sort of work ethic, and we're seeing that now on the ground in Central Texas and around the state. Helpers and heroes have descended on Hill Country, and we’re grateful for it. While we're not out of the woods yet, many of our neighbors are organizing, activating, and mobilizing already.
Here's how you can help.
Donate Money to Trusted Organizations
Many folks near and far are looking to lend a helping hand; cash donations are most effective because they allow relief groups to allocate resources as needed.
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
- Texas Search and Rescue: Supporting swiftwater teams, K9, boats, and drones.
- World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, and Operation BBQ Relief are all feeding first responders and families.
- Southern Oaks Church, located at 122 Valley View in Kerrville, is accepting specific physical donations at the church but for those who aren't local, you can donate online (and please do if you can!).
- Airbnb.org is a nonprofit founded by Airbnb to provide emergency housing in times of crisis. They are providing free emergency housing to people impacted by flooding in Central Texas. You can sign up to host or donate online, with 100% of donations going toward funding emergency stays.
Boots on the Ground – Don't Self‑Deploy
Uncoordinated volunteers can hinder rescue efforts, congest roads, or even jeopardize safety, so authorities strongly caution against self-deployment into affected zones—roads are congested, waters are still unstable, and rescue efforts are already underway. It's crucial to coordinate through official channels to make your help count—and to stay safe.
- TEXSAR seeks skilled swiftwater, search and rescue volunteers; register via their site.
- Religious and community groups like Texans on Mission are mobilizing muck‑outs, food distribution, logistics, and support roles.
Donate Specific Items (only when AND where needed)
- Give gift cards and monetary support via Southern Oaks Church, rather than donating used physical items.
- Support animal rescue organizations like Kerrville Pets Alive! and Austin Pets Alive! to help provide supplies and funds for displaced animals.
- Food drives are happening in San Antonio and Austin, places like Waterloo Records and Radio Coffee & Beer are collecting essentials.
For current information on relief efforts and volunteer opportunities, please check with local Kerr County emergency management offices. And, always be sure to vet and confirm the legitimacy of any organization you support.
Recovery efforts will continue for months, and sustained support will be needed long after the flood waters dry. This disaster has tested us as a community, but it's also shown the incredible strength, bravery, and generosity of our fellow Texans. In true Lone Star state spirit, we'll stand by our neighbors through every step of the rebuilding process.
.webp)
.webp)
