Rising Together: A Call to Compassion and Community for Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country, long cherished as a summer sanctuary and second home to many across the nation, is now the center of a catastrophic natural disaster. Following torrential rains, the region has been devastated by flash floods that continue to threaten lives and displace families. Kerr County and its surrounding towns—from Hunt and Ingram to Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort—remain in an active crisis. Search and rescue operations are still underway, and rain continues to complicate an already dangerous landscape.

Many of our readers have close ties to the region. Summer camps, family homes, generational ranches, and luxury escapes have been deeply affected. For hundreds of families, this is personal. For those yet untouched, this is an opportunity to respond with purpose.

This is not just a moment to donate and move on. The damage is extensive. The needs are massive. And the road to recovery—from clearing debris to restoring infrastructure and rebuilding homes—will take months, if not years.

And as we write, we hold space in our hearts for the more than 100 families mourning the unthinkable loss of life. There are no words sufficient for such grief. But there is presence. There is prayer. And there is our collective ability to respond with grace and courage.

Across the region, corporations, small businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, private citizens, and national response teams are working hand in hand to deliver food, shelter, and supplies in real time. Here are a few of the organizations we trust and honor for their integrity and effectiveness:

Local Relief & Community Resilience

• Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Administers the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, supporting vetted local nonprofits.

• Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Rebuilding & Recovery Fund: Aids small businesses and local economic recovery.

Field-Based Emergency Response

• Global Empowerment Mission: Actively on the ground clearing debris and providing aid. (Our editorial team has a personal connection through a family member leading field operations.)

• Team Rubicon: Deploys veteran-led disaster response teams, in partnership with USAA.

• Minuteman Disaster Response: Providing rescue and cleanup support throughout rural zones.

• Operation AirDrop: Delivering essential goods by air to isolated communities.

• Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR): Supporting search, rescue, and recovery with trained teams and resources.

Food, Shelter, and Daily Necessities

• Mercy Chefs: Providing hot, chef-prepared meals to displaced families and emergency workers.

• World Central Kitchen and Operation BBQ Relief: Serving meals across high-impact areas.

• American Red Cross: Operating shelters and coordinating essential services.

• Salvation Army: Distributing food, water, clothing, and hygiene products.

Corporate & Brand Leadership

• H-E-B, Whataburger, James Avery, and Kendra Scott: Mobilizing funds, supplies, and coordinated relief support.

• USAA: Donated $500,000 to support rapid deployment of services through partners like Team Rubicon.

• AT&T + ITDRC: Deploying mobile connectivity hubs in impacted areas.

• Numerous local businesses - breweries, coffee shops, and independent brands across Austin, San Antonio, Boerne, and Fredericksburg are contributing supplies and hosting fundraising efforts.

Faith & Community Partners

• Trinity Baptist Church (Kerrville) – Collaborating with Houston’s Pinkerton’s Barbecue team to distribute hundreds of meals to first responders and residents, especially in hard-hit Ingram and Hunt areas

• Citywest Church (Ingram) – Operating as a hot meal site for Mercy Chefs; feeding locals and responders daily (lunch 11 a.m.–1 p.m., dinner 4–6 p.m.).

• Southern Baptists of Texas Convention / Disaster Relief Unit – Hosting a feeding station for first responders and the public behind a Kerrville church at 625 Washington Street

• Cross Kingdom Church (Kerrville) – Acting as a supplies hub, offering clothing, toiletries, water, and non-perishables to evacuees and recovery workers (9 a.m.–7 p.m.)

• Southern Oaks Church (Kerrville) – Offering gift cards, hygiene, and baby essentials; shifted to flexible giving via their River Flood Relief Fund

• Texas Baptist Missions Foundation Network – Channeling resources through Texans on Mission to support local churches responding across the Hill Country

• United Methodist Church of Kerrville - Shelter & Coordination: First United Methodist Church has been a primary refuge location, offering emergency shelter and serving as a coordination hub for volunteers and displaced families

These hubs are pivoting daily—from meal distribution to supply centers, to spiritual and emotional support for responders, survivors and displaced families. Their impact reflects the power of local faith in action, grounded in tangible care.

How You Can Help

• Donate directly to the Kerr County Relief Fund, the Global Empowerment Mission, or your preferred nonprofit linked in the list above.

• Support ongoing efforts: Organize matching gifts, donate supplies or gift cards, or host small-scale fundraisers.

• Use your influence: Share vetted resources, amplify donation links, and encourage your community to give.

• Plan for the long term: Recovery doesn’t end when the floodwaters recede. Stay connected and committed.

A Closing Word

To the families, responders, and residents of the Hill Country—you are not alone. We stand with you, pray with you, and will walk alongside you in the weeks and months ahead.

As a platform that exists to reflect the best of lifestyle, legacy, and leadership, Resident is honored to uplift these stories of courage and community. In the face of crisis, we rise together.