One year ago, on July 4th, a day generally filled with food, family, friends, and celebration, the country was shocked by images of tragedy in central Texas. Over the course of 2 days, rapid rainfall in the Texas hill country caused catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. Within a span of just 45 minutes, river water rose to levels between 26 to 40 feet. Search and rescue teams moved in as the waters continued to rage. While 400 individuals were rescued, the event would claim 135 lives with countless residents displaced and without a home.
In response to requests from local emergency management, The Salvation Army immediately began providing services to rescue workers, first responders, and impacted residents by providing more than 6,500 meals, 46,000 snacks, and 43,000 beverages through the course of the response. In addition to providing food and hydration services, Salvation Army teams also provided more than 3,000 Emotional and Spiritual care contacts.
The Salvation Army also served as the lead agency for donation and volunteer management in the Kerr County, working in tandem with state and city emergency management officials. Generous outpouring of in-kind donations from around the country allowed teams to provide essential supplies to survivors working to clean out their homes or replace lost daily necessities. Ultimately, more than 192,000 items were distributed.
The Salvation Army also provided direct emergency financial assistance at six FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers established throughout the Hill County. From July 9th through October 1st, The Salvation Army provided $1 million in financial assistance to disaster impacted households.
The Salvation Army remains active in long-term recovery efforts by working with Long-term Recovery Groups and the Disaster Case Management Program to provide funding for home repairs, building materials, travel trailers and mobile home replacements, furniture, appliances, household goods, and work tools for small businesses such as computers, printers, and lawn equipment.
Below are the stories of two of the many survivors who received recovery assistance from The Salvation Army.
After losing their mobile home to the floods, Katie and her partner faced not only the physical loss of their safe space, but also the emotional strain of housing instability and limited financial resources that made recovery feel daunting. Despite these hardships, they remained determined to rebuild. Receiving a new home, funded through the local long-term recovery group, restored their sense of hope and stability. The couple expressed deep gratitude, sharing that knowing others cared for them during such a vulnerable time meant more than they could fully express. More than material support, the gift reminded them they were not alone, giving them renewed strength to continue rebuilding their lives with dignity and appreciation for the compassion that made their recovery possible.
Adriana, her husband, and their five children found themselves without a home after the devastating floods. Losing her home in the flood disrupted every part of the family’s daily routine. Adriana and her husband struggled to constantly figure out temporary living arrangements, while trying to keep life as normal as possible for their children. It was difficult balancing work, parenting, and the stress of not having a home.Receiving a new mobile home and the stability it provided was an emotional and life-changing moment for their family. They now had the opportunity to create new memories and rebuild their lives together.
Adriana and her family expressed their deepest gratitude toward the community of donors who helped make this happen. She stated, “To everyone who donated or contributed to our new home, we want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness has made a direct impact on our family’s future. Because of you, our children have stability and a place to grow. Your generosity reminds us that there are truly compassionate people in this world who care about helping families in need. We will never forget the blessing you have given us.”
