Dallas, Texas (July 9, 2025) – Large-scale Salvation Army disaster response operations continue in Central Texas as impacted communities slowly work to clean up and begin the long road to recovery. For many who have lost loved ones, homes and belongings, the emotional toll and trauma is just beginning.
While five mobile kitchens continue to provide meals, snacks and drinks, and an army of staff and volunteers work to organize donated items and supplies, The Salvation Army is ensuring flood survivors receive the emotional support they need. Seven trained Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) Officers arrived in Kerrville on Tuesday to meet, listen and pray with those who have already gone through so much in just a few days.
“The early days and hours after a disaster are typically filled with lots of practical things to take care of. Survivors are busy with important decisions like, ‘How are my loved ones? Where will we sleep tonight? When will the power come back on?’ or ‘Where will the next meal come from?’ They have so many things to deal with,” said Captain Jenifer Phillips, an Emotional and Spiritual Care Officer with The Salvation Army. “Once some of those immediate needs are met, that is often when the emotional impact of a crisis is first experienced.”
ESC staff are available to listen to and pray with anyone they meet. As disaster teams serve meals from mobile kitchens, ESC Officers will often greet people waiting in line, strike up a conversation and ask if they would like to receive prayer.
“More times than not, people who have experienced crisis and disaster welcome the opportunity to talk with someone. They will readily share their personal situation and how they have been affected,” said Captain Phillips. “It is our job to listen, offer a prayer and let them know that God loves them, and The Salvation Army loves them and is here to provide support and help, even in the darkest of times. Our ministry is motivated by the love of God, and we want to share that with those we encounter on what could very well be the hardest day of their lives.”
The Salvation Army has provided 3,778 meals, 16,218 snacks, and 29,257 drinks since service began on July 4. They have also distributed 354 cleanup kits, 212 hygiene kits, 193 cleaning supplies, and made 349 ESC contacts. Three mobile feeding units are mobilized in Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt, and two additional units are working in San Angelo.
“We served at three different locations in Kerrville today and spoke with many survivors and first responders,” said Captain Phillips. “Time and time again, we heard how difficult it has been to process what has happened; the loss of life and just the trauma of what everyone has seen and gone through. Our ESC ministry is a challenging one, but we are prepared to share God’s love and encourage those who are just beginning to pick up the pieces, having lost so much.”
Supply distribution is taking place daily between 8 AM and 5 PM at The Salvation Army social services building located at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville. Salvation Army staff are available to speak with and help those who have been affected by the flooding. A hotline has been established where people in Kerr County can call for assistance or information at 830-465-4797.
Financial donations are the best way to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing response efforts in Central Texas. To make a donation, please call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to helpsalvationarmy.org. 100% of all donations designated for disaster response will support the relief efforts and help impacted individuals and families.
For more information on The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts and specific feeding locations, go to www.salarmyeds.org.
