At least ninety-five people have died and dozens are still missing after torrential rains spurred devastating flash flooding in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend. The victims include twenty-seven campers and counselors from Camp Mystic in the town of Hunt, where the Guadalupe River swelled from seven feet to twenty-nine feet in a few hours, according to The Washington Post. As search and rescue efforts continue, here are a few ways to help.
Disaster Relief
Donate to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which will distribute funds to vetted organizations in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort for purposes of rescue, relief, and recovery and flood assistance.
Donate to the Salvation Army, whose Kroc Center outpost in Kerrville is coordinating donations of nonperishable goods and hygiene items, organizing volunteers, and distributing meals and drinks.
Hands Off Central TX is accepting resources and donations for mutual aid for the likes of housing, food, transportation, and medical supplies.
Ark of Highland Lakes, a Texas-based network of churches that supports neighbors and first responders in the aftermath of a disaster, is coordinating on-the-ground volunteers, supply drives, and a relief fund.
Donate to Good360, a disaster response nonprofit working with local and national partners to deliver needed supplies (hygiene kits, cleaning products, diapers, and more) to shelters and affected neighborhoods.
Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville has organized a flood relief drive and is accepting monetary donations.
Texans on Mission, a North Texas–based nonprofit, is accepting monetary donations to send volunteers to the central part of the state to provide disaster relief, water purification, and construction services.
Cross Kingdom church in Ingram has organized a supply drive and is accepting monetary donations to support its boots-on-the-ground relief work in the area. (Include “RELIEF FUND” in your donation description.)
Donate to the Red Cross, which has set up shelters throughout Central Texas to help those displaced by the floods.
Search and Rescue
Donate to TEXSAR, an all-volunteer search and rescue team based in Austin that has deployed to Kerr County.
Donate to the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer-based nonprofit that has deployed to Central Texas to aid in search and rescue operations, deliver supplies, and support recovery efforts.
Animal Shelters
Donate to Kerrville Pets Alive or Austin Pets Alive, which are partnering to relocate shelter animals out of harm’s way and reunite families with missing pets.
Hot Meals
Donate to Mercy Chefs, a nonprofit that has deployed to Kerr County to serve chef-prepared meals to victims, first responders, and volunteers.
World Central Kitchen, an organization that provides meals in areas affected by disasters, is bringing food and water to emergency responders.
Donate to Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit founded by Kansas City, Missouri, pitmasters that has set up two locations to provide meals in Kerrville.
Help Individuals
To support individuals and families in need, GoFundMe has compiled a page of personal fundraisers for those affected by the Texas floods.
If you know of other organizations providing relief, please let us know at editorial@gardenandgun.com.
To learn more about a charity before donating, consult sites such as Charity Watch, GuideStar, or Charity Navigator.
