Helping those impacted by floods

As search efforts continue and the scope of the devastation becomes clearer, here is a list of ways to help.

~Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: This fund will direct donations to vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts as well as flood assistance.  The Fund will support the communities of Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort.  It is in support of nonprofit organizations, first responder agencies, and local governments actively involved in response, relief, and recovery efforts.

~FEMA: President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, which will ensure federal resources, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are made available to those affected. FEMA along with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the U.S. Small Business Administration opened a “Disaster Recovery Center” at the First Baptist Church in Kerrville (625 Washington Street).

FEMA says if you’ve sustained losses, you should first file a claim with your insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.  If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service.

~Shelters:

First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville

Cavalry Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534, Kerrville

Notre Dame Catholic Church, 929 Main Street, Kerrville

Schreiner University, Event Center, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville

Comfort High School, 143 US-87, Comfort

Winding Branch Ranch, 30640 Leroy Scheel Road, Bulverde

~Food Banks:  The San Antonio and San Angelo food banks are also offering support for those who need it, by calling 1-800-246-9121.  They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

~Pets: Kerrville Pets Alive! is working with Austin Pets Alive!, offering several resources for pet owners impacted by the floods.  The all-volunteer nonprofit group has also created a database of lost and found pets which will allow pet owners to list pet information and upload photos.  KPA! volunteers will work to locate these pets and reunite them with owners. You can report lost, found or injured pets by clicking the link, calling 830-200-0539 or email kerrcountyfloodpets@gmail.com.  KPA! will also fund the cremation of any pets who did not survive.

~Free Replacement Items: The Kerrville Driver License Office is helping people affected by the flood who are in need of a replacement Texas Driver License or Identification Card.  No appointment is necessary.  Please be sure to inform their staff that you were affected by the flood.

I Care San Antonio is also offering free replacement glasses for Hill Country flood survivors.  People who lost their eyewear in the disaster will be able to receive a free pair by presenting a valid identification card confirming their residence.

~Report Someone Missing/Reunification Efforts

If you have a missing person, email kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with the name and description of the missing person.  You can also provide photos to aid in identification.  The reunification center for those waiting on word about missing persons is at Cavalry Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534.

The American Red Cross is assisting reunification efforts.  If you’re looking for a missed loved one, call 800-733-2767.  The Disaster Distress Helpline is also available at 1-800-985-5990 for anyone needing to speak with a mental health professional.

~Hunt, Texas Volunteer Update:  The call is out for owners/operators of heavy equipment/machinery.  The biggest needs at the moment include chainsaws, skid steers and skid steer loaders; backhoes; mini-excavators; crawler bulldozers.  People are asked NOT to call the Hunt VFD.