Kerr County Flood Relief Fund raises $30 million in a week, distributes $5 million in initial grants
KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) — A week after devastating flash floods swept through Central Texas, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced that it has raised more than $30 million through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and distributed $5 million in initial grants to support recovery efforts.
At least 120 people across six counties have been confirmed dead from the July 4 flooding, with 161 people still missing in Kerr County alone. Overall, at least 166 people remain missing statewide.
Austin Dixon, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, announced the first wave of funding during a press conference Friday morning.
"Over 100,000 individual donors have already made a gift online, by mail, by phone, and most meaningfully to us in person, by just showing up at our office to support the fund," Dixon said.
The $5 million in initial grants will be distributed across four areas: $1.25 million for direct support to individuals and families, $1.25 million for local businesses, $1.25 million for first responder agencies, and $1.25 million for crisis response operations.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy praised the rapid response, calling it unprecedented in his experience.
"I've never seen that kind of immediacy in getting relief to the people who need it," Roy said. "Your dollars are immediately getting into people's hands."
Major donors include H-E-B, which contributed $2 million, and James Avery artisan jewelry company, which donated $500,000. Dr. Chris Avery, chairman of the James Avery board, announced an additional $500,000 commitment to various organizations and charities.
"Our company roots run deep, our people, our values and our story are all tied to this community," Avery said, noting the company's particular connection to Camp Mystic, where his family has attended for generations since the 1950s.
The tourism-dependent region faces significant economic challenges. Mindy Wendele with the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce said more than 1,100 people work in the hospitality industry locally.
"When those folks, many of those folks, are displaced, it is a trickle down effect of how it affects all of us," Wendele said.
The chamber foundation received $700,000 to provide emergency cash grants to small businesses. Amy Hereford, president and CEO of LiftFund, said her organization mobilized more than $1.6 million in relief funding.
"National data shows that 40% of small businesses will permanently close if they can't get access to funding within the first two weeks of disaster," Hereford said.
First responders continue search and recovery operations along an 8-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Lee Pool, chief of the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department, received $750,000 total — $250,000 unrestricted and $500,000 specifically for cash assistance to Hunt area residents.
"God is present in Kerr County. God is present in people's hearts. It's obvious," Pool said.
Crisis counseling services are being provided by the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. Josh Holland, international director, said volunteer chaplains have been on-site since July 4.
"We have crisis trained chaplains that deploy and offer emotional and spiritual care, sharing God's love with people that are going through some of the most devastating events imaginable," Holland said.
Major Phil Swyers from the Salvation Army said his organization plans to operate disaster assistance for up to two years or until the need is met.
The Community Foundation emphasized this represents only the beginning of long-term recovery efforts in the region.