How to help following deadly flash flooding in central Texas over Fourth of July weekend
Several organizations are stepping up to aid victims' families and others impacted following the catastrophic flooding in central Texas over Fourth of July weekend.
It can be hard to know which trusted, vetted organizations to find after a disaster. Officials recommend that if you want to give a financial donation, consider the Kerr County Relief Fund through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's Office has established the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund, the City of Kerrville shared in a post on Facebook.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said during an update Tuesday that the outpouring of support and in-kind donations have been so great, the city is working on a new system to accept donations. The City of Kerrville is expected to post on its Facebook page when this is completed.
For those who need help, the Salvation Army Kerrville said it's among the places where people can stop by for assistance. Visit their Social Services Office at 855 Hays St. or call 830-465-4797. You can also donate online.
In addition, World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by chef and humanitarian José Andrés, has activated in central Texas, where volunteers are gathering food and water for first responders and victims in the affected areas. Anyone who is interested can donate online to support their efforts in Texas.
Watch: Officials in central Texas share vetted ways to help flood victims
You can find a variety of other ways to help below. This is not an exhaustive list and will be updated as new information comes in.
Online and in-person
Texas Children's Central Texas Hope Fund
Texas Children's says all funds raised will go directly to support the flood victims. There are several ways to give or get involved.
Austin Donation Drive: This will assist families across Kerr County and the surrounding Hill Country. Community members can drop off non-perishable food, bottled water, diapers, wipes, formula, new toys, books, new blankets and new socks and undergarments of all sizes.
Drop off at: Texas Children's Hospital Main Entrance, 9835 North Lake Creek Parkway, Austin and the 2nd floor entrance. All donations will be delivered to those in need.
Click here to donate to the Texas Children's Central Texas Hope Fund online.
Consider the Kerr County Relief Fund through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
Austin Dickson, the CEO of the foundation, said that as of July 11, the relief fund has received more than $30 million and over 100,000 individual donors have contributed. According to the foundation's website, $5 million in emergency grants is expected to go toward helping individuals and families, local businesses, first responders and crisis response efforts.
Follow this link to see the current list of grantees and grant dollars each will receive.
The San Angelo Area Foundation launched a disaster relief fund people can donate to online. You can also mail in donations.
Texas Search and Rescue says it has deployed to Kerr County and doesn't charge for its services. If interested, you can donate here.
If you want to support the United Cajun Navy, who is also on the ground in central Texas, you can donate here.
To support displaced animals, you can visit the Austin Pets Alive! website.
Mental health
Bo's Place, a grief center, is hosting small groups for Camp Mystic families. According to the site, Campers, counselors, and their families can connect, share, and explore healing in small groups based on their location during the flood.
Grief experts will be onsite for support
Cypress Lake 6th term: Saturday, July 19, 2-4 p.m.
Monday, July 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Friday, July 25, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
At Bo's Place, 10050 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, 77054
For the July 21 and July 25 support gathering dates, be sure to RSVP.
Bo's Place offers free grief support services for children, family and adults.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers information for parents and caregivers on how to help a child.
You can also find parent tips for helping adolescents after disasters.
If you are struggling with the emotional toll of this disaster, remember you aren't alone. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at (800) 985-5990 or text 988 to connect with a trained mental health professional.
If you need emotional support, you can also call, text or chat with someone through the 988 lifeline.
Reunification Requests:
For those in search of someone who has been impacted by the floods, the American Red Cross has casework teams available by phone 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or online through a monitored digital form here.
