From Texas Public Radio:
Dozens of adults and children have died in the Guadalupe River floods. Survivors need to find out how to rebuild their lives. People from throughout the region, the state and the nation are eager to assist them in some way. Here is some guidance for both people who need help and those who want to help.
How is San Antonio mourning the flood victims? Can people donate items at the event?
People in San Antonio plan a candlelight vigil on Monday evening in Travis Park to mourn and honor the dozens of children and adults who died in Friday’s floods. The event is hosted by Centro San Antonio and begins at 8:30 p.m.
Goodwill and the American Red Cross will be present to receive nonperishable donations for people in Kerr County.
The vigil will also remember the 13 victims of last month’s deadly flash floods in San Antonio.
What are the different ways people can help?
– Vetted organizations: The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has been launched by The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. All donations will go to vetted organizations that provide recue, relief and recovery efforts and flood assistance.
– Medical equipment: Project Mend, which restores medical equipment for reuse, will provide wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, walkers and rollators to people affected by the floods. Find more information on its website or call 210-429-4057.
– Fundraisers: The popular crowdfunding website has a list of verified fundraisers for Kerrville-area flood victims. GoFundMe says it will add to the list as it’s able to verify requests. Under “Texas flood relief,” you can search for fundraisers by location.
– Tech support: AT&T and the non-profit Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) have deployed its 40-foot Mobile Connectivity Center (MCC). This connectivity resource is free to the public and will further support those affected by the floods with access to Wi-Fi, 16 computers, and facilities to charge their devices. It is staffed by AT&T employee volunteers and ITDRC. The MCC will be at Schreiner University, located at 2100 Memorial Blvd, in Kerrville, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How to help pets?
San Antonio Pets Alive is also gathering monetary donations for pets in the Kerrville area. It also needs work gloves and surgical gloves, pet wipes, and storage totes. Review the entire list at its Facebook page.
Is the Trump administration helping the victims?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency said financial assistance is available to Kerr County residents impacted by Friday’s floods.
The Trump administration approved on Sunday a disaster declaration for Texas to help Kerr County recover efforts.
The statement added: “Individuals who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App.”
FEMA says it may be able to help homeowners and renters with temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss, or other disaster-caused needs.
Is Kerrville accepting more volunteers?
Kerrville officials invited the public to monitor the city’s Facebook page for the latest developments from that area.
Officials also issued guidance to the public regarding offers of assistance:
“We have had many offers of volunteer support. At this time, we have all the resources we need. We are compiling a volunteer list if and when we need to call on volunteers. Salvation Army Kerrville is the point of contact for that volunteer database. Go to tcr.communityos.org or call 830-465-4797. We do not need food or water donations at this time. Monetary donations can be made at the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.”
Looking for a loved one?
Kerrville officials said that “if you have a missing person, email kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov with the name and description of the missing person. You can also provide photos to aid in identification.”
People can also call 830-465-4794.
Authorities also advised people to call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767 if they are trying to locate a loved one.
Where are the shelters?
Shelters for those displaced by the flooding have been set up in Kerrville at these locations:
– Medical shelter at First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Dr., Kerrville
– Congregate shelter at Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534, Kerrville
– Notre Dame Catholic Church, 929 Main Street, Kerrville
– Schreiner University Event Center, 2100 Memorial Blvd., Kerrville
Where are the reunification centers?
– For campers: Your reunification center is at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram
– For non-campers: Your reunification center is at Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St., Kerrville
KUT’s Andy Jechow contributed to this report.
Correction: A previous version of this story listed the wrong location for the camper reunification center. That is at Ingram Elementary School.
