Dear Friends and Partners,
Over the last several days, our hearts have been heavy as we’ve followed the tragic flooding across the Texas Hill Country—particularly in Kerrville, Hunt, and nearby communities. The loss of life, including children, is overwhelming and deeply heartbreaking. It’s a tragedy hard to fully process, even for those of us who’ve walked through many disaster relief efforts over the years.
We have been on numerous calls and in close communication with pastors, church leaders, and our Somebody Cares relief partners on the ground. One of our partner organizations deployed a team yesterday morning, and two members of our San Antonio-based Somebody Cares relief team, Mark Roye and David Guion, have been on-site assessing immediate and long-term needs.
Another one of our relief partner’s team members, William Irwin, has been assisting with search and rescue efforts—tragically discovering a submerged vehicle yesterday with fatalities. These are sobering and painful moments.
Currently, Texas emergency management is limiting outside assistance until all search and rescue operations are complete. In the meantime, we continue to gather assessments, communicate, and coordinate with local leaders to prepare for both immediate response and long-term recovery, including:
- Working with our Joseph Storehouse affiliates to procure resources for the long-term recovery.
- Engaging in daily Zoom and phone meetings with ministry leaders, emergency contacts, and relief organizations.
- Coordinating with our partners in Boerne, TX, who are opening their large warehouse facility to receive goods for distribution once clearance is given.
- Planning to ship in needed resources and supplies from our affiliates in Minneapolis and the East Coast so they are ready as soon as we’re given the green light.
- Looking at long-term needs related to trauma, grief, and healing for the community. We are in conversations about potentially hosting Hope and Healing gatherings in the weeks ahead. Many are already gathering at the “Coming King” Cross Prayer Garden, which belongs to our friend Max Greiner, praying and seeking peace and comfort.
This is a critical moment for the Body of Christ to come together—present not just with supplies, but with compassion, care, and a long-term commitment to stand with those grieving and displaced.
Please pray for the families impacted, the first responders, and all those navigating unimaginable pain. Pray for wisdom, strength, and discernment as we assess how to best serve.
To provide urgent relief and long-term recovery assistance, please consider donating today. Your gift makes a real difference.
We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and as relief efforts progress.
DOUG STRINGER
Founder & President
Somebody Cares America/International