One Year After the Texas Floods, The Salvation Army Teams Are Still Helping Families Get back on Their Feet

When catastrophic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, on July 4, 2025, communities along the Guadalupe River were changed within hours.

More than 10 inches of rain fell in less than 12 hours, causing the river to overflow and flood homes, businesses, and entire neighborhoods. Families were displaced overnight. Search-and-rescue operations began immediately across the region.

The Salvation Army in Kerrville mobilized that same day.

Now, one year on, recovery continues in Kerr County, and The Salvation Army remains on the ground, supporting families and meeting needs that began in the first hours of the floods.

Immediate response on the ground

At the request of local emergency management, Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams deployed a mobile kitchen and response team within hours.

Crews set up at a temporary reunification center, where evacuees gathered after leaving flooded areas. There, teams served hot drinks, water, and snacks while offering emotional and spiritual support to those arriving in shock.

“Our team provided water, hot drinks and snacks and have been talking with and praying with those coming to the center,” said Major Phil Swyers of The Salvation Army in Kerrville.

Through the first day of response alone, nearly 1,000 meals and snacks and thousands of drinks were distributed.

Expanding to meet growing need

As the scale of the disaster became clear, The Salvation Army expanded operations across Kerrville and surrounding communities, including Hunt and Ingram.

• Multiple mobile feeding units began serving at shelters and staging areas
• Teams provided meals and hydration to both survivors and first responders around the clock
• Cleanup kits, hygiene kits, blankets, and clothing were distributed to families beginning recovery

In the days that followed, thousands of meals, snacks, and drinks were served as response efforts continued.

At the same time, trained Emotional and Spiritual Care teams were deployed to offer support to survivors and emergency personnel navigating trauma and loss.

A central role in coordination

Beyond direct service, The Salvation Army in Kerrville was asked by state and local officials to take on a broader role in coordinating relief efforts.

• A Volunteer Reception Center was established to organize incoming volunteers
• A centralized donation and distribution hub managed essential supplies
• A call center and hotline helped connect people with services and support

This work ensured that donations—from cleaning supplies to food and clothing—reached families quickly and efficiently.

“The Salvation Army…will remain on the ground fully committed to this community, serving as long as we are needed,” said Kathy Clark, Divisional Director Of Emergency Disaster Services in Texas.

Community response and volunteer support

In the weeks that followed, the Kerrville location became a hub of activity.

Residents, volunteers, and partners worked side by side to receive, sort, and distribute donated goods. Thousands of people passed through the facility - either seeking help or offering it.

Local and national partners supported the response, helping scale operations and sustain services throughout the emergency phase.

One year later

One year after the floods, the impact of that response continues.

The Salvation Army’s work in Kerr County reflects a broader commitment—to meet immediate needs in times of crisis and remain present as communities recover.

From the first meals served in the hours after the flooding to the ongoing distribution of supplies and care, The Salvation Army has continued to stand alongside the people of Kerr County.