Families across Texas are still reeling after catastrophic flash flooding in the Hill Country claimed the lives of at least 94 people over the weekend.
In the early hours on July 4, torrential rainfall across Central Texas overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, causing it to surge 26 feet in less than an hour. By 7 a.m., the water had risen from 1 foot the day before to 36 feet, sweeping away homes, cars, RVs, and leaving people in the area scrambling to evacuate. At the center of this devastation is Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp where at least 27 campers and counselors are dead, and many are still missing.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy,” reads a message on the Camp Mystic website. “We are praying for them constantly.”
It’s what experts are now calling one of the deadliest floods the U.S. has seen in nearly a century, and search and rescue efforts are still underway, with more than 400 first responders, helicopters, and drones on the ground amid continued rain. This week, as the community mourns, people from all over the country have stepped in to offer a helping hand. Here’s how you can get involved:
The Red Cross
The Red Cross of Central & South Texas is providing food, relief supplies, emergency shelter, and mental health support. Please call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free counseling or support from their Disaster Distress Helpline.
If you have been unable to locate a loved one affected by the disaster, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to get in touch with the Red Cross Reunification Teams, or fill out this form.
GoFundMe
If you’d like to donate directly to flood victims, the crowdfunding platform has a running list of verified fundraisers to donate to.
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country organized the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to support the affected communities in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort. Donations will be directed to nonprofits, first responder agencies, and local governments involved in relief, recovery, and rescue efforts.
Austin Pets Alive!
The shelter has been coordinating with search and rescue volunteers as well as shelters in the affected counties to care for hurt and displaced pets at their facilities in Austin. So far, they’ve taken in more than 150 pets from Kerr County, Williamson County, and San Angelo. You can help APA by making monetary donations, donating supplies (you can find a list of requested items and a drop-off location here), volunteering, fostering, or adopting to make more room for their flood support animals.
If you are missing a pet, have found a pet, or want to report a pet that was left behind, they ask that you fill out this form or call 830-200-0539. You can also post on the Petco Love Lost platform.
World Central Kitchen
The culinary nonprofit and humanitarian aid group has been on the ground in Central Texas, providing clean water and fresh meals to first responders and impacted families amid continued flood warnings. Their team has also been supporting clean up efforts in tandem with their local partners. You can support their efforts in Texas by donating here, and find them on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for real time updates.
Mercy Chefs
The faith-based nonprofit is currently stationed in Ingram, providing chef-prepared meals to victims, first responders, and volunteers daily. Find out where they’re currently stationed on their Instagram or Facebook, and send a hot meal by donating here.
Texas Search and Rescue
TEXSAR is an Austin-based nonprofit first responder organization that specializes in disaster response. They’re currently requesting donations to support their swiftwater teams, boats, drone teams, and K9 units in the area.
Texas Children’s Hospital
Texas Children’s launched the Central Texas Hope Fund to raise money for the affected families, flood relief efforts, and programs designed to help the victims recover and rebuild.
Hands Off Central TX
The grassroots organization is raising money for mutual aid operations in Bandera, Kerr, Tom Green, and Kendall counties. Funds will go toward housing, food, transportation, and medical needs for those affected by the floods.
Donating Items
Multiple businesses throughout Central Texas are accepting donations of items. Kendra Scott is accepting donations at their Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio stores through July 9. The Commodore Perry in Austin is accepting donations in partnership with Kerr County daily from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Dripping Springs’ Treaty Oak Distillery is accepting donations, as well as providing regular updates with volunteer requests on their Instagram. San Antonio-based breweries Roadmap Brewing Co., Back Unturned, and Künstler Brewing are working together to serve as collection points for donations that will be dropped off at the Kerrville Salvation Army.
