“Doug, I could really use your help if you could carve out any time to talk to me today.”
That was one message from a pastor friend in the Texas Hill Country, but there have been so many more! Whether they live in a flooded community or they are offering to help, they are looking to Somebody Cares for our expertise to help guide them through the aftermath of this tragedy.
Some communities, including entire RV parks, are only now being uncovered from the debris—revealing the staggering scope of loss. Search and rescue efforts are still underway, and many areas remain without power. The federal government is deferring heavily to state and local agencies at this time, with one official stating, “We just need to get out of their way, Texas knows what they’re doing.”
Meanwhile, our Somebody Cares team is deeply engaged—communicating daily with pastors, church leaders, and relief partners throughout the region and across the U.S.
Partner ministries in Minneapolis, Baltimore, Greater Houston, and other areas are collecting and shipping urgently needed supplies. And even though local emergency management is still limiting outside assistance in certain areas until search and rescue operations are complete, SCA and our network partners are already helping families in need of muck-outs and clean-up.
“Tomorrow morning we are bringing in wheelbarrows from our friend Seth Kuehn at San Antonio Daily Bread, generators, and other supplies to help,” said SCA’s Mark Roye. “The houses in this neighborhood are still standing because they’re brick, but these families have lost everything,”
Homeowners Kyle and Hannah waited on the roof with their kids, Kyle’s mom, and their dog for about two hours until the water began receding. “We woke up around 4am with water in the house,” Kyle recalls. “In about 15 minutes, it was up to my waist.” Thankfully their family and all of their neighbors made it through the storm safely.
“We’re connecting with people in the community,” said Ferrin Cole from relief partner CRI. “They’re hurting, they’re in shock.”
As always, SCA is committed not just to short-term aid but to empowering and walking alongside the local church as they serve for the long haul—present with compassion, prayer, and practical help.
Current needs include:
- Visa or Mastercard gift cards for families to meet personal needs, while also helping the local economy as they purchase materials from stores and restaurants, which are still open.
- Generators (3500+ watts and above) for families waiting for electricity to be restored.
- Cleaning and muck-out supplies, such as wheelbarrows, gloves, rubber boots, bleach, brooms, mops, paper towels, etc.
- “Everything from the floor up” for those beginning the long process of rebuilding their lives—flooring, cabinetry, bedding, paper goods, household items, and more.
We are also in early discussions about offering Hope and Healing gatherings in the coming weeks—spaces for community members as well as first responders to grieve, process, and begin the road to healing from the trauma they’ve endured.
Please continue to pray for the families, emergency workers, and leaders in the region. Your prayers and support are making a real difference.
To provide urgent relief and long-term recovery assistance, please consider donating today. Your gift makes a real difference—just follow the link below.
We will continue to keep you updated as the situation progresses.
Thank you for caring!
DOUG STRINGER