KERR COUNTY, Texas – The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country held a workshop on Monday at the Arcadia Live Theater in Kerrville to update nonprofit leaders and local stakeholders on the ongoing flood recovery from the July 4 disaster.
More than 125 guests — including grantees, civic leaders and nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and New Hope Counseling Services — gathered to align on recovery efforts, share resources and set goals for the next phase.
Angela Blanchard, the special speaker, recognized the emotions that many frontline helpers at nonprofits are feeling after six months of recovery.
Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, said the meeting is a chance to pause and bring everyone together as the community approaches six months since the July 4 floods in the Hill Country.
“We’ve been running since July 4th, all while there’s an emotional toll on the background of loss, death, change. ... We felt to be together as a team today,” he said.
Dickson emphasized the emotional toll on those involved and the need to re-energize for the long-term recovery ahead. He also thanked donors and supporters of the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund for their vital contributions.
The Community Foundation has allocated $110 million in recovery funds across four priority areas including mental health, emergency response, community and culture and housing.
All flood-impacted households that completed the needs assessment and qualify for case management have been assigned a case manager and are currently navigating their recovery needs, according to the Community Foundation.
The Hill Country’s Community Foundation has housed 244 people through their temporary housing program.
Habitat for Humanity Kerr County was given $3 million by the Community Foundation to build or repair 40 homes, 15 of which should be completed by Christmas.
“It’s not a motto; it’s a pledge to each other. All of us are standing side by side to get it done,” said Mary Campana, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Kerr County.
The workshop featured presentations on housing, mental health, environmental restoration and case management, providing attendees with a comprehensive picture of the recovery work underway.