#USA #Salvation Army #disaster relief #Kerrville #Texas Floods

The Salvation Army Expands Response to the Texas Flood Crisis

The recent catastrophic flooding in Central Texas has prompted an urgent response from The Salvation Army, which has significantly enhanced its Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) following immediate aid operations that began on July 4, 2025. Major floods have inflicted severe damage on communities, particularly in Kerrville and San Angelo, leading to a rising death toll and an increased need for support services.

Immediate Relief Efforts

In the wake of this disaster, The Salvation Army's trained disaster response teams have mobilized to provide essential resources and emotional care to those impacted by the flooding. The organization has dispatched its mobile feeding units across the region, ensuring that residents have access to warm meals, clean drinking water, and spiritual care. At the forefront of these efforts is the commitment to not only meet physical needs but also to address the emotional and spiritual toll of the disaster.

Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army, emphasized the organization's role during such hardships, stating, "Communities across Central Texas are reeling from unimaginable loss, and we are heartbroken by the scope of this tragedy." He reiterated that The Salvation Army aims to provide emotional support alongside practical aid, stating, "we offer not just physical support, but also a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a reminder that no one is alone in this."

Ongoing Support Services

As part of its ongoing disaster response, The Salvation Army has deployed Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) Specialists to support grieving families in Kerrville and surrounding areas. Their services include grief counseling and crisis response, which are crucial during this time of overwhelming loss.

In addition to emotional support, feeding units are strategically located at several sites, including:

• - City West Church in Ingram
• - Hill Country Youth Development Center
• - Calvary Temple Shelter
• - Local businesses such as Crider's in Hunt and Hargraves Auto

This comprehensive approach aims to support residents from various locations, ensuring that aid reach all communities affected by the floods.

Additionally, the organization has begun distributing clean-up and hygiene kits to help families start the recovery process. Key statistics reveal the extent of their outreach:

• - Meals served: 2,670
• - Drinks provided: 16,265
• - Snacks distributed: 3,726
• - Clean-up kits: 87
• - Hygiene kits: 131

For continuous updates, individuals can refer to The Salvation Army's Fast Facts page, which keeps a record of service statistics throughout the emergency response.

Support from Corporations and Community

The response from corporate partners has been crucial in enabling The Salvation Army to carry out its relief efforts effectively. Notably, the Dallas Cowboys have contributed $500,000, which will help supply vital resources. Other corporations like Walmart, Sam's Club, and the Walmart Foundation are supporting the relief efforts through grants and in-kind donations. They are also set to match customer and member donations up to $250,000, which can be made online or in participating stores.

Kroger and the NFL Foundation have also stepped in to help amplify these efforts, showcasing the solidarity and support from various sectors during this challenging time.

How to Help

The best way to assist The Salvation Army’s disaster response initiatives is through financial donations. These contributions enable the organization to respond quickly to the urgent and changing needs of the affected communities. Donations can be made through:

• - Online: helpsalvationarmy.org (select "Texas Floods (July 2025)")
• - Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY

As more rain continues to forecast in the region, The Salvation Army remains in close coordination with local and state emergency management authorities, prepared to adapt and extend their services as necessary.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army aids over 27 million people in America each year, providing essential social services targeted at overcoming poverty, addiction, and economic hardship. Their work encompasses food distribution, emergency relief for disaster survivors, and rehabilitation services. The organization operates from over 6,400 centers nationwide, dedicated to meeting not only immediate needs but also to fostering long-term recovery and resilience in the face of adversity. For further information and updates on their disaster relief efforts, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow them on social media.

Together, we can face this tragedy head-on and support one another in rebuilding and recovery.