Disaster Relief and Recovery

Texas Flood Relief

Our hearts remain heavy as updates continue to come in after the flooding in communities across Texas. The loss of life and destruction of property are unfathomable. We continue to pray for all families, staff and community members affected by this tragedy.  

As a trusted community leader, United Way has been there every step of the way. From leading active disaster response, organizing volunteers, gathering resources, and responding to direct community needs. And United Way will continue to be there during the long-term recovery efforts.  

In order to support these efforts, you can find information on those funds as well as other details and resources below. Thank you for your interest in helping!

How You Can Help

QR code for flood relief page

Local United Way Flood Relief Funds (as of July 14):

Other Relief Funds:

Donating In-Kind Items:

  • Kerr County Update (as of July 12):

    • Encouraging monetary donations. Please do not collect or bring in-kind donations into the impacted area unless they are by direct request by local officials and or in coordination with the VOAD or Texas VALs. 

  • San Angelo/ Concho Valley Update (as of July 12):

    • Thank you for your in-kind donations! At the moment in-kind donations are on hold, but as needs arise we will update the community/donors via social media. Please refer to the United Way of the Concho Valley Facebook Page for the latest update.

Volunteering:

  • Hill Country - Kerr County

    • Local Hotline for Volunteers – 830-465-4797 - A Volunteer Reception Center is open at the Salvation Army - 855 Hays Street, Kerrville, TX hours 8am – 5pm to support coordinated volunteer coordination.

  • San Angelo/ Concho Valley

    • Please use this form to sign up and be alerted where volunteers will be needed this week: https://forms.gle/N8HmRFxScLpMrNuS8 . Please be patient for a response and wait until you are contacted. Do not self-deploy to affected areas. Thank you for your interest!

 

Need Help?

  • Local Community Resources

    • 2-1-1 Texas: Dial 2-1-1 or from a mobile phone, (877) 541-7905 or 211texas.org

  • Reporting Damage

    • Individuals impacted and survivors should complete the iSTAT (Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool) damage survey as quickly as possible: iSTAT Damage Surveys

      • Note: The objective of this survey is to help state and local emergency management officials across Texas identify and gain an understanding of damages that have occurred during recent natural disaster activity.

        Reporting damages to Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to your insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

  • Insurance Claims

    • Need help filing a claim? Texas Department of Insurance's helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call 800-252-3439

  • Road Conditions

  • Legal Help

    • The State Bar of Texas' toll-free legal hotline assists low-income Texans with issues like replacing lost documents, insurance questions, landlord-tenant problems, price-gouging or avoiding contractor scams following a natural disaster.

      • Residents can call 800-504-7030, which is answered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Those who qualify for assistance are matched with Texas lawyers who can provide free, limited legal help, according to the state bar’s website.

  • Mental Health Resources

    • Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Central Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line: 833-812-2480 - Texans statewide can call to connect with support.

    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

      SAMHSA runs the Disaster Distress Helpline, which provides support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. The helpline operates year-round, 24 hours a day and is free and confidential.

      • Call 800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can provide counseling, healthy coping tips and more information on signs of emotional distress. Crisis counselors can also provide local resources for additional support.

    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 - This is a nationwide support for anyone in crisis.

    • Resources for Parents and Caregivers - 

 

For information on making a contribution to Hurricane Harvey relief funds:

 
 
 
SCAM ALERT: On 10/23/17, a fake Facebook page was created for a false Harvey Fund from United Ways of Texas & an individual has sent an email that looks like it was from UWT (@uwtexas.org) asking for personal information, including driver’s license and bank account information. UWT DOES NOT have a Harvey Relief or Recovery Fund, nor would we ever ask for banking/personal information. PLEASE BE AWARE.
 
While you will most often find United Ways in Texas at work in their communities in the areas of people’s education, financial stability, and health, you also often find them responding to local disasters.  

From setting-up disaster assistance funds, to organizing volunteer initiatives, holding donation drives, or helping with long-term recovery, United Ways play an important role in helping Texans be more resilient to disasters across our state.

In recent years, Texas United Ways have helped their communities respond to such serious events as wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even mass-casualty shootings.
 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of disaster recovery work and resources provided by Texas United Ways, demonstrating their ability to help mobilize the power of caring in the face of difficult challenges: