KERRVILLE, Texas – The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country announced its next steps weeks after severe flooding ravaged the area for the second July in a row.
Earlier this month, foundation leaders also launched a relief fund for 10 Hill Country area counties impacted by the flooding.
During a Thursday morning news conference at Gibson’s Discount Center in Kerrville, foundation CEO Austin Dickson announced an initial $18 million commitment to residents and small businesses impacted by this month’s flooding.
The $18 million is being divided into three categories:
- $11.3 million towards housing support efforts in Kerr County
- $5 million grant to LiftFund to help Kerr County small businesses
- $1.7 million in initial grants to four nonprofits providing financial services across the region
Dickson also hinted at additional funding for the Uvalde County area in a separate, forthcoming announcement.
“Every promise we made is a promise that will remain today. Every housing commitment will continue. Every mental health investment remains. Every family we committed to helping will continue to receive that support,” Dickson said Thursday. “We are not choosing between last year’s survivors and this year’s survivors. We stand by both.”
Doug Hetzler, the manager at Gibson’s Discount Center, reminded the audience about the challenges small businesses face following a disaster versus a business with a large, corporate backing.
“Families are counting on us every day,” Hetzler said. “With help from these guys (the foundation), we’re going to be able to get back on the road. This announcement is really significant for us.”
Dickson identified the four nonprofits set to receive funding from the foundation: Hill Country Community Needs Council in Fredericksburg, Hill Country Family Services in Boerne, Catholic Charities of San Antonio (for help in Uvalde) and Light on the Hill in Kerrville.
So far, Catholic Charities of San Antonio CEO Ada Saenz said the nonprofit has provided emergency supplies, mobile showers, laundry and other services to nearly 1,500 people (1,450) across Uvalde and Kerrville.
“This funding is critical to continuing our mission of providing emergency assistance to individuals and families affected by the recent flooding in Uvalde and Real counties,” Saenz said.
According to Dickson, approximately 97% of Thursday’s $18 million commitment came from gifts donated after last year’s flooding on July 4.
“Recovery is not a series of grants. It is not a collection of projects. Recovery is a promise to the community,” Dickson said.
Hill Country residents impacted by the flood can complete a Regional Needs Assessment by clicking here.
More recent July 2026 floods coverage on KSAT: