Dallas, Texas (July 26, 2026) – Twelve days after heavy rains and floodwaters devastated communities across South Texas, The Salvation Army continues serving survivors through emotional and spiritual care (ESC) ministry as response efforts transition from emergency assistance to long-term recovery.
While feeding operations and emergency services begin to scale down, Salvation Army personnel remain committed to helping individuals and families process the emotional, spiritual and personal challenges left behind by the disaster. Since operations began, Salvation Army teams have made more than 1,200 emotional and spiritual care contacts, offering prayer, crisis support and hope to survivors, volunteers and first responders.
Texas has received a Presidential Declaration for Public Assistance to assist communities with infrastructure recovery, while determination of an Individual Assistance declaration remains pending. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified more than 1,900 homes affected, including 475 homes that sustained major damage or were completely destroyed. Throughout Kerr, Uvalde and Zavala counties, Salvation Army emotional and spiritual care teams have walked alongside survivors of the flooding.
At the Uvalde Fairplex evacuation shelter, Major Marion Durham, with The Salvation Army New Orleans Area Command, spent time with a family displaced by flooding. During one conversation, a 10-year-old girl shared how floodwaters destroyed her grandmother’s ranch, sweeping away many of their animals, including her family’s cat. As the girl recounted her experience while caring for her four-week-old baby brother, Major Durham provided a listening ear and encouragement while allowing her exhausted mother an opportunity to rest.
“One of the questions I’ve been asking our disaster team is whether people need help, to be heard or hugged,” said Major Marion Durham. “So often, simply listening to someone’s story becomes one of the most important ways we can serve.”
Another survivor, who had already endured the loss of both her husband and son in 2024, found herself facing the additional devastation of losing her home. She was also recovering from three broken bones in her arm and had lost her vehicle in a tornado, forcing her to drive with one arm. Major Durham prayed with her, and by the end of their visit, her hope was renewed. “We witnessed God’s provision, restoration, healing and hope as His Kingdom was reflected on earth through compassionate service, prayer and unity,” said Major Durham.
In Uvalde County, a Southern Baptist Texas Convention volunteer joined Salvation Army feeding crews in Sabinal to provide emotional and spiritual care support alongside meal service. Canines for Christ also continued visiting survivors at disaster recovery locations this week, offering comfort to flood victims.
Sunday, July 26, will mark the final day of Salvation Army hot meal service operations in the affected area, while emotional and spiritual care, recovery assistance and relief supply support will continue as needed. The Salvation Army plans to provide meals at the following locations on Sunday, July 26:
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church – 408 Fort Clark Road, Uvalde, TX 78801 (Uvalde County)
- Morales Junior High School – 615 Studer Street, Uvalde, TX 78801 (Uvalde County)
- Crystal Ballroom – 2116 FM 65, Crystal City, TX 78839 (Zavala County)
- Sabinal City Hall – 501 N Center Street, Sabinal, TX 78881 (Uvalde County)
Since operations began, The Salvation Army has served 17,379 meals, 16,859 drinks and 11,815 snacks and has made 1,204 emotional and spiritual care contacts. Additionally, EDS teams have distributed thousands of relief supplies to flood survivors across the affected area.Those wishing to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts may make financial contributions by visiting helpsalvationarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest information or for details about becoming a disaster volunteer, visit SalArmyEDS.org.
