The devastating flooding that swept through Central Texas over the holiday weekend has tragically claimed the lives of over 100 adults and children. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency and a day of prayer earlier this week as the nation mourns and prays for the families of the deceased and for the rescue of the young girls still missing from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.
Many organizations quickly responded on the ground to provide essential items, food, water, shelter and spiritual support to families, first responders and all those impacted by this horrific disaster.
At Philanthropy Roundtable, we promote charitable giving to organizations that respond to disasters in a timely and targeted manner. If you are looking for ways to give to those who have been impacted throughout the flood area in Texas, please consider the following organizations:
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
The Community Foundation serving the Texas Hill Country will direct funds to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance. Grants from the fund will support nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies and local governments actively involved in response, relief and recovery efforts.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
GEM is on the ground in Kerr County, Texas, delivering immediate emergency aid and conducting damage recon to prepare for longer-term recovery efforts. They are actively supporting displaced families and individuals with BStrong cash cards to assist with those immediate and unexpected financial burdens. Truckloads of their Family Necessity Kits are en route, consisting of hygiene kits, non-perishable food, water, cleaning materials and other necessities.
Matthew 25 Ministries
Matthew 25, in partnership with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, deployed its Disaster Response Team to several areas hit hardest by the flooding. The deployment included Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit, mobile shower and restroom trailer and essential relief supply distribution to the affected communities. Matthew 25 is actively communicating with local partners to assess urgent and ongoing needs.
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs was one of the first organizations on the ground in the Texas Hill Country, where their team is actively serving hot, chef-prepared meals to first responders, volunteers and families hardest hit by this disaster.
Operation Blessing
Operation Blessing is assessing the damage and serving families affected by the flooding. Their warehouse in Texas is a strategic asset in supplying essential items and food to people in need. Through strong partnerships with local churches, Operation Blessing will be using their staff and volunteers to bring hope to those affected by this crisis.
Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR)
TEXSAR is a nonprofit first responder organization headquartered in Austin, Texas, that provides specialized services such as ground search and rescue, flood and swiftwater rescue, K9 search, rescue and recovery, disaster relief services, aerial search and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ()support. In response to the devastating flood, TEXSAR deployed volunteer “ground pounders,” swiftwater teams, boats, drone teams, K9s and more to agencies on the ground.
The Salvation Army – Kerrville
The Salvation Army deployed a mobile kitchen at the request of local emergency management and the police. Search and rescue is continuing throughout the county and The Salvation Army is there with meals, drinks and emotional and spiritual care. Additional Salvation Army units are on the way to Kerr County with a second mobile kitchen and Rapid Response Unit (a modified pick-up truck) deploying from San Antonio. Other counties have been impacted by flooding and The Salvation Army is also responding to community needs in San Angelo, where the shelter has been made available for overflow evacuations.
The San Angelo Area Foundation
The San Angelo Area Foundation was quick to establish a San Angelo Disaster Relief Fund. The Foundation is working with local Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) groups to help determine needs and the best avenues to quickly provide financial support, which will include emergency grants to support those impacted by the flood.
If you are interested in supporting these relief efforts or would like to recommend an organization doing great work, please contact [email protected].
