On July 4, 2025, the Guadalupe River in Texas surged more than 26 feet in under an hour. The resulting flash floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, claiming more than 80 lives as of this writing, including 28 children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp on the riverbank.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned that the number of missing may rise, as thousands were in the area celebrating Independence Day when the floods struck. President Donald Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas, and officials continue to urge people to stay away from the region to allow professional rescue teams to work safely. It’s understandable to want to help in this type of disaster and heartbreak, but here are some ways the region is specifically asking for assistance.
3 Ways To Help the Texas Hill Country
It appears that the primary ways we can assist right now are with monetary funds or direct donations of flood relief items. Donate directly to the relief funds listed below, contribute to other national fundraisers that are helping out, or donate needed items to the region.
1. Donate directly to regional relief funds.
- Texas established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund to assist those affected by the floods. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, will allocate funds to vetted organizations involved in rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, as well as flood assistance, according to its website.
- The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has also established a flood relief fund. The foundation will direct the funds to vetted organizations in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort that are carrying out rescue, relief, recovery, and flood assistance efforts.
2. Donate to national relief funds.
- TEXSAR, a nonprofit organization based in Austin that specializes in emergency response, is aiming to raise $100,000 to support its search efforts. They have deployed swift-water rescue teams, boats, drones, and search dogs to assist in the search for missing individuals. Donations can be made online.
- The Red Cross has opened shelters in affected areas and is accepting donations on its website.
- The crowdfunding site GoFundMe has a special page for the 22 verified fundraising accounts raising money for relief.
- World Central Kitchen, founded by chef José Andrés, mobilized to Texas on July 4 to assist with flood relief efforts. The organization has been providing meals to evacuees, including those from Camp La Junta, and supporting first responders in affected areas, according to updates shared on social media. Donations to support their work can be made directly through the World Central Kitchen website.
- As of July 5, Austin Pets Alive! has taken in more than 50 animals rescued from flood-affected areas in Kerr and Williamson Counties. They are also requesting donations to help support grieving families, including assistance with pet recovery and cremation services.
3. Donate needed items to the Texas Hill Country.
Relief organizations have identified a few items as top priorities.
- Southern Oaks Church in Kerrville is leading a relief effort by collecting essential supplies for those affected by the floods. Supplies can be dropped off at 122 Valley View, Kerrville. They are especially in need of personal hygiene products, baby- and child-care items, clothing, food, and materials that provide comfort and emotional support. For those outside the area, the church has also created an online giving option—just choose the “River Flood Relief Fund” on their donation page to contribute directly to flood recovery efforts.
- The Salvation Army’s Kroc Center in Kerrville is collecting non-perishable food, diapers, and cleaning supplies, including bleach, trash bags, brooms, and shovels. Staff at the Social Services office are accepting donations at 855 Hays Street in Kerrville.
- Treaty Oak Distilling in Dripping Springs is accepting donations. The address is 16604 Fitzhugh Road in Dripping Springs. They need cleaning and recovery supplies, food and water, emergency supplies, personal hygiene products, tools, and more.
- Jester King Brewery in Austin is collecting items for those in need. You can drop off materials at their location at 13187 Fitzhugh Road—check their Instagram for up-to-date guidelines. Volunteers will deliver all donations to Cross Kingdom Church. The items most needed include bottled water, non-perishable food, new socks and underwear, children’s clothing, diapers and baby wipes, flashlights and batteries, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and pet food.
Respond to what’s really needed.
It’s completely natural to want to help in person, especially when the devastation feels so close (Texas is my new home). Currently, the best way to support flood survivors in the Texas Hill Country is by sending much-needed supplies and funds. Rescue teams are still operating in hazardous conditions. The presence of well-meaning volunteers on-site can unintentionally increase the risk to everyone involved. What communities need most at this moment are donations and supplies—essentials that will help families continue forward.
Also check out 9 Ways To Help Schools Impacted by Natural Disasters.