Carville, Texas – The Texas Hill Country Community Foundation has pledged a donation of $40 million specifically aimed at providing housing support for those impacted by the floods earlier in July.
In Kerr County, the tragic flash floods resulted in the deaths of 117 individuals, including 37 children, with two people still unaccounted for.
The allocated funds will assist with temporary housing needs, home repairs, RV repairs or replacements, and the provision of case management services.
Distribution of the funds will follow a four-tier strategy, addressing essential areas such as:
- Mental health and overall well-being
- Economic recovery and quality of life
- Long-term future needs
Reports indicate that the Community Foundation has already garnered around $100 million in donations.
“This isn’t just a record amount for local residents but also reflects the speed at which we can help homeowners return home,” said Gov. Greg Abbott during a press briefing on Thursday.
This announcement came after a poignant moment at the Texas State Capitol, where the family of a girl who lost her life during the floods advocated for more stringent safety regulations for summer camps. Their testimony focused on the necessity of emergency plans in cabins and prohibiting camp construction in flood-prone areas. The proposed bill successfully passed through the committee stage and is headed for a vote in the full chamber.
A disaster declaration was issued for Kerr County almost immediately following the flooding.
How flood relief money reaches those in need
Austin Dixon, the CEO of the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation, emphasized the importance of community members applying for funding. He noted that funds cannot be distributed to individuals who do not actively seek assistance.
For those interested in applying for funds, registration is available at rebuildkerr.org.
Dixon mentioned that applicants could expect a call from a caseworker within about a week.
“It’ll take a long time”
“I can’t even imagine what that will be like,” remarked Tami Radewig, reflecting on the profound loss resulting from the July 4th floods.
Amidst her grief, she feels fortunate that her family is safe and her business, Amco Overhead Door Company, is gradually returning to normal operations.
“Sadly, nothing happens quickly, so this is going to take a significant amount of time,” she expressed.
She shared that she has applied for several small business relief funds but has yet to receive any feedback.
Before the Housing Pledge announcement, the Community Foundation had already allocated $16 million to local nonprofits that support small businesses.
Despite the challenges, Radewig expressed pride and gratitude for her community’s resilience. “The country is strong,” she concluded. “That’s a positive takeaway.”
