Kerr County in need of resources for flood recovery

Kerr County and the rest of the Texas Hill Country continue to struggle from the recent traumatic floods in the region resulting in more damage than last year’s catastrophic flood.

Limited government support; lagging donor resources; damage to local infrastructure, such as water, roads, and bridges; and lack of media attention after the fact are said to be contributing factors.

Last year’s flood in the same area claimed the lives of 119 people, including 27 girls swept away at Camp Mystic.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has not approved federal aid for individuals and local governments after this summer’s flood, including for Kerr County. The county is already facing an $8 million budget shortfall, according to the Texas Tribune.

The only assistance FEMA has provided, according to local officials, was for emergency measures that include search and rescue and shelters.

Citing an “extraordinary burden” on recovering communities, Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz petitioned President Donald Trump last week for increased federal support, the Texas Tribune reported.

The State of Texas received 1,501 damage survey submissions, including reports of 47 destroyed structures and 310 with flood damage, Shorey Harmon, the new emergency management coordinator for Kerr County, told the Texas Tribune.

Residents in the area have relied on neighbors, organizations like Texans on Mission, and nonprofit organizations for cleanup and living essentials.

Response from Texans on Mission

Groups like Texans on Mission have responded to the call for help with a temporary pause of Rebuild, their long-term recovery effort.

Phillip Ditto, Texans on Mission director of disaster relief, said deployment happened right away once it was safe, giving area residents access to basic necessities.

“Within just a few days after the flooding, Texans on Mission deployed resources from our main office here in Dallas, and from locations around the state to three sites—Kerrville, Uvalde, and Boerne—to meet the needs of the communities impacted by the flooding,” Ditto said.

“Additionally, our long-term recovery efforts, known as Rebuild, were temporarily paused to meet the immediate needs of the community. Our Rebuild teams have been operating in the Hill Country since last year’s floods, collaborating closely with the Kerr long-term recovery group, the American Red Cross, and many other incredible non-profits to attempt to recover from the historic floods of 2025.”

The impacted area from 2026 flooding affected more homes over a larger area than the flooding in 2025, Ditto added.

“There will continue to be a tremendous need for volunteers to share the love of Jesus with these communities that have gone through so much in recent years. Texans on Mission has resumed our long-term recovery, Rebuild operations, and will need the support of volunteers to assist our efforts in the rebuilding process,” Ditto said.

“Additionally, I invite those who are unable to volunteer to consider making a financial contribution to help us bring the gospel to these communities and provide holistic relief in the wake of these unimaginable flooding events.”

Ditto noted the number of volunteers has decreased in the area and financial support is lower than last year.

 “Texans on Mission has deployed multiple flood recovery teams, feeding, shower/laundry teams, and an incident management team to coordinate and address the needs of homeowners who were affected by flooding and mud. Thankfully, we have been able to meet the community’s requested needs while continuing to work with local and state officials to address opportunities to serve our fellow Texans,” Ditto said.

“Yet, there has been widespread devastation, and a notable decrease in the number of spontaneous volunteers who showed up in large numbers last year to help. There is concern about the effects of repeated flooding and reflooding of homes, insurance coverage, and partners reporting a significant decrease in financial support.”