As the death toll continues to rise following devastating floods throughout central Texas, lawmakers, affected communities, and families have put out the call for assistance to help the survivors and families of victims in their recovery.
The record-breaking flash floods have destroyed homes, businesses, and crippled local infrastructure. At least 80 people were killed across four Texas counties, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Local officials estimate that over 12,000 homes were damaged, and over 650 people have been rescued from affected areas. On Sunday, President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration authorizing federal disaster aid and activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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As Texas first responders continue to search for the missing, and families begin the long process of grieving and rebuilding, here’s how you can help ongoing relief and recovery efforts:
The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
State and local officials are requesting donations be sent to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, established by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a nonprofit serving the area.
The fund will “support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort,” by directing donations and funds to “vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance.”
Kerrville Salvation Army
People looking to volunteer in person have been directed by local officials to contact the Kerrville Salvation Army, which is helping coordinate local response efforts. Potential volunteers have been asked to call 830-465-4797 in order to register.
The Kerrville Salvation Army has also requested donations of non-perishable foods, hygiene supplies, bleach, brooms, shovels, trash bags, diapers, socks, and baby wipes. Goods can be donated at the Social Services Office at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville, Texas.
Around Texas, local businesses are acting as donation off-sites and accepting assistance transporting goods to the Salvation Army in Kerrville. Craft Beer Texas has published a list of Austin-area breweries acting as donation sites.
You can also donate to the Kerrville Salvation Army here.
Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
Texas Search and Rescue is a fully volunteer based first responder organization operating at the request of local officials in response to major disasters throughout the state.
According to their website TEXSAR “provides specialized services such as ground search and rescue; flood and swiftwater rescue; K9 search, rescue, and recovery; disaster relief services; aerial search; and UAV support. TEXSAR is fully self-sufficient, including incident management team (IMT) capabilities, logistics and communications.”
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The organization does not charge individuals it provides aid to for its services, and operates entirely off of donations.
You can donate to TEXSAR here.
World Central Kitchen
The international food assistance nonprofit founded by celebrity Chef Jose Andres has mobilized in response to the flooding and is accepting donations to provide meals to those affected by the disaster. The organization coordinates with local food banks and relief groups to deliver meals directly to disaster zones.
Donations can be made here. Those interested in volunteer efforts should register with World Central Kitchen’s portal and check for available opportunities.
Helping displaced animals and pets
Hundreds of pets have been displaced or injured as a result of the floods. Local organizations and animal shelters are accepting donations and supplies to help care for their charges and reunite them with their families.
Austin Pets Alive! Is accepting monetary donations, as well as supplies, including food, crates, and medications. A full list of supplies, which can be dropped off at their Cesar Chavez location in Austin, Texas, can be found here. The shelter is also accepting applications for volunteers and pet fosters.