Coming Together in Crisis: Supporting the Kerrville Community After the Floods

In the wake of the devastating floods that recently swept through Kerrville, Texas, Advance America team members united to support the broader community during a critical time of need. 

On July 16, Jessee O’Brien, Caitlyn Sunderman, Isela Dozal, Lucy Arredondo, and Robert Delgado spent the day in a residential area that was completely underwater just the week before. Armed with jeans, boots, gloves, wheelbarrows, shovels, mops, cleaning supplies, crowbars, hammers, masks, and buckets, team members arrived ready to work. 

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Thanks to the generosity of Advance America Texas business partners from San Antonio and Uvalde, the volunteers brought 45 cases of bottled water to donate. Once on site, they dove into cleanup and rescue efforts, shoveling out mud, clearing debris, and carefully salvaging anything of value — storing it in a designated safe zone. 

After that initial push, our team went door to door asking, “What needs to be done?” From pulling nails out of walls and tearing down soaked sheetrock to sweeping, hauling debris, and distributing supplies, every request was met with unwavering effort. 

The physical work was exhausting, but the emotional impact was even greater. These homes represented families, memories, and livelihoods. Though the scene was heartbreaking, it was also deeply uplifting to witness unity in action. Neighbors supporting neighbors, volunteers showing up with supplies, and strangers offering a helping hand — it was community at its best. 

How you can help Kerrville residents 

Monetary donations 

• Kerr County Flood Relief Fund (via Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country) supports vetted organizations involved in rescue, relief, and recovery.
• Salvation Army Kerrville is accepting monetary donations.
• Local churches (e.g., Southern Oaks) are collecting gift cards and cash. 

Volunteer coordination 

• Salvation Army Kerrville maintains a volunteer database.
• Local relief centers deploy volunteers daily to muck out, remove debris, and set up tarps. 

In‑kind aid (where needed) 

• While food and water donations are plentiful, items such as cleaning supplies, hygiene kits, diapers, pet care items, and medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers) may be needed in the coming weeks through organizations like Good360 or Texas Diaper Bank. 

Animal support 

• Austin Pets Alive! and similar groups assist in rescuing and caring for displaced pets—donations of supplies or funds are welcome. 

Meal programs 

• Organizations like Operation BBQ Relief, Mercy Chefs, World Central Kitchen, and the Salvation Army continue to provide meals to flood survivors and first responders. 

Connectivity support 

• AT&T’s Mobile Connectivity Center at Schreiner University (2100 Memorial Blvd) offers Wi-Fi, device charging, and computer access for residents. 

Staying involved in Texas 

The immediate need has shifted from supplies to recovery, rebuilding, and providing emotional support. Contributing financially, volunteering, and spreading the word about trusted relief channels are all vital steps residents can take today to support Kerrville’s long-term recovery.