The devastating floods that hit Central Texas on July 4, 2025, have displaced families and damaged communities across Kerr County, Travis County, and surrounding areas. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. As a recovery center located in Smithville that serves Kerrville and the surrounding Central Texas community, we want to ensure residents have access to the support and resources they need during this difficult time. If you or someone you know has been impacted, here are resources available to help with immediate needs and recovery.
Common Challenges After Natural Disasters
Recovery from a natural disaster affects everyone differently, but there are common challenges that many flood survivors and first responders experience:
For Flood Survivors:
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping
- Feeling overwhelmed by insurance claims and rebuilding decisions
- Financial stress and uncertainty about the future
- Loss of personal belongings and sentimental items
- Temporary housing instability and displacement
- Increased alcohol or substance use to cope with stress
- Strain on family relationships and social connections
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
For First Responders and Relief Workers:
- Physical and emotional exhaustion from extended emergency response
- Secondary trauma from witnessing devastating scenes
- Compassion fatigue from helping numerous victims
- Difficulty processing traumatic experiences
- Stress from working in dangerous conditions
- Potential for increased substance use or mental health challenges
- Balancing personal family needs with community service demands
These reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward getting appropriate support and resources.
Immediate Assistance & Emergency Support
Disaster Distress Helpline: Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 in any language
- Phone: 1-800-985-5990
- Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746
2-1-1 Texas: Information on shelters, food, mental health services, and community resources
- Phone: 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905
- Website: 211texas.org
Emergency Shelters (American Red Cross):
- First United Methodist Church: 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, TX 78028
- Find an open shelter near you at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/find-an-open-shelter
Mental Health & Behavioral Health Support
Natural disasters can trigger or worsen mental health and substance use challenges. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, and anxious, or to consider using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress and trauma.
Crisis Support:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 9-8-8
- Texas Crisis Services: Available 24/7 for face-to-face crisis assessment
Healing After the Flood: Free Online Trauma Support Group Hosted by The Last Resort:
The Last Resort Recovery Center is offering free virtual trauma support group sessions for flood victims, first responders, and all those impacted by the Central Texas floods.
- When: Wednesday and Thursday, July 9 & 10 at 6:30 PM
- Format: Virtual meeting
- Hosted by: Briana Sefcik, MS, LCSW, CSAT
- Who: Open to victims, first responders, and anyone affected by the floods
- Cost: Free
- Join: meet.google.com/wba-cihd-zdc
This support group provides a safe space to process trauma and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
Financial Assistance & Recovery
FEMA Disaster Assistance: Register if you’re in a federally declared disaster area for potential grants covering temporary housing, essential repairs, emergency expenses, and affordable loans for uninsured losses.
- Register online: DisasterAssistance.gov
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362 (7 a.m.–11 p.m. ET daily)
- Important: Experts suggest filing insurance claims first before applying for FEMA assistance.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Low-interest disaster loans for businesses, homeowners, and renters
- Website: sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
- Phone: 1-800-827-5722
Texas General Land Office: Home repair, reconstruction, and housing assistance
- Phone: 1-844-893-8937
- Website: Recovery.Texas.gov
Local Relief Organizations
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Donations go directly to vetted local relief organizations
- Managed by The Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity serving the Texas Hill Country
- Mail donations: 241 Earl Garrett Street, Kerrville, TX 78028
The Salvation Army Kerrville: Accepting donations and providing supplies
- Phone: 830-465-4797
- Drop-off location: 855 Hays St., Kerrville, TX 78028
- Donations: online donations accepted to help individuals impacted by the floods
American Red Cross Central & South Texas: Emergency aid, shelter, and financial assistance
- Website: redcross.org/get-help
- Phone: 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669)
Food & Essential Supplies
Operation BBQ Relief: Free hot meals daily
- Location: Walmart Supercenter, Kerrville (locations change daily)
- Times: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, or until they run out
Cross Kingdom Church: Supply distribution center
- Address: 3044 Junction Highway, Kerrville
Insurance & Legal Help
Texas Department of Insurance: Information on filing claims and avoiding scams
- Phone: 1-800-252-3439
- Website: tdi.texas.gov
Lone Star Legal Aid: Free legal help for low-income disaster survivors
- Disaster Hotline: 866-659-0666
- Website: lonestarlegal.org
National Flood Insurance Program: Assistance with flood coverage claims
- Phone: 1-800-427-4661
- Email: FloodSmart@fema.dhs.gov
If you need immediate crisis support, call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Recovery takes time, and help is available every step of the way. For questions about substance use or mental health support, The Last Resort Recovery Center can be reached at (512) 750-6750.
