#United States #Kerrville #Texas Hill Country #Episcopal Relief #Housing Recovery

Restoration Efforts in Texas Hill Country

In the wake of the devastating flood that struck the Texas Hill Country on July 4, 2025, a powerful alliance has emerged to assist those whose lives have been uprooted. Episcopal Relief & Development has launched a comprehensive recovery initiative in collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. The newly established program is dedicated to replacing and repairing recreational vehicles (RVs), providing critical housing solutions to low-income families who lost their primary residences in the disaster.

The Texas Hill Country flood caused extensive damage across Kerr and Kendall Counties, displacing numerous families and leaving many communities in ruins. Buildings that once provided shelter were left in unsafe conditions due to structural, electrical, and persistent mold issues. With insurance coverage lacking for many, the path to recovery appeared daunting, shrouded in prolonged instability and uncertainty.

Race Hodges, Senior Program Officer at Episcopal Relief & Development, emphasized the urgency of this initiative, stating, "This program is about restoring safety, dignity, and a sense of normalcy after an event that upended lives. Housing is the foundation of recovery. Without it, health, employment, and family stability remain at risk."

To facilitate this transition, the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas has stepped up to serve as a vital resource hub. Collaborating closely with local congregations, particularly St. Peter's Church in Kerrville, families can now apply for assistance to support their recovery journey.

The financial backing from the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is pivotal, allowing both immediate housing replacement and developing long-term resilience strategies. Each participating family will work with a disaster case manager to assess housing needs, choose suitable RVs, and ensure that all home repairs are safe and meet quality standards.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas, articulated the purpose behind this collaboration, expressing gratitude for the partnership, stating, "The Diocese of West Texas is immensely grateful to partner with Episcopal Relief & Development and the Community Foundation to assist folks with securing that most basic need—a place to call home."

In addition to focusing on housing solutions, this program also includes essential disaster preparedness education. Designed specifically for RV residents, this training provides crucial insights into assessing flood risks, choosing safer locations, and preparing for potential emergency situations, as many RV parks in the area are located in flood-prone regions.

"After the July 4 flood, many families lost not just their homes, but their sense of stability," remarked Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. "By teaming up with Episcopal Relief & Development and the Diocese of West Texas, we are helping families regain safe, stable housing while also offering support to help them confidently move forward. This initiative underscores our commitment to long-term recovery, not just immediate response, ensuring a more secure foundation for the future."

The program is set to operate until October 2026, with the ambitious aim of closing housing cases for participating households within three to four months. In the meantime, ongoing efforts are being made to uplift the communities still reeling from the flash floods.

Those wishing to assist can contribute to the Flood Response Fund, which directly supports local partners in responding to the pressing needs created by this disaster.

About the Organizations Involved

• - Episcopal Diocese of West Texas (DWTX): This community encompasses over 26,000 individuals across 87 congregations in 60 counties, being part of The Episcopal Church, which represents over 1.5 million members nationwide. The current bishop oversees this vast area, emphasizing outreach and support programs to foster recovery and resilience.
• - Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country: Established in 1982, this public charitable foundation is committed to enhancing life quality across the Hill Country. It connects charitable donors with community needs and supports local nonprofits, academic scholarships, and various community initiatives.
• - Episcopal Relief & Development: With over 85 years of service, this organization works globally with faith and community partners to instigate sustainable change in communities affected by disasters, poverty, and climate change, focusing on nurturing young children, reducing violence, and bolstering community resilience.

In solidarity, the organizations involved call for ongoing prayers and support for those impacted by the Texas Hill Country flooding, demonstrating the profound community spirit and resolve to aid those in need.