The unprecedented flooding of the Guadalupe River in the early morning hours of July 4th uprooted the lives of families in Kerrville, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding communities. Over 130 people lost their lives. And now, these river communities, beloved by all Texans, are experiencing grief and trauma that will have lasting effects.
First Presbyterian Church responded by first reaching out to our own members who were directly affected by the flood. Then, in the weeks following, groups from our Young Adult Community deployed to the Hill Country to clean out houses, clear debris, establish relationships, and contribute to logistical operations.
Currently, the disaster response is moving from one phase – search and rescue, cleanup, and debris removal – to another involving long-term rebuilding (both physical and spiritual). And in this phase, community leaders remind us, “This is a marathon, not a sprint!”
Would you like help rebuild Hill Country communities?
There are several ways you can contribute:
In the Hill Country
- Join a rebuilding deployment – We will be responding to opportunities to serve with partner organizations in rebuilding (with work somewhat like a Habitat for Humanity build)
- Serve in a staging area – There will be opportunities to sort, load and unload building supplies going into communities
- Be part of an emotional/spiritual care team – We are seeking Stephen Ministers and deacons on rotation to join counselors from the San Antonio Ecumenical Center in day trips to Hill Country communities (volunteer fire departments, schools, churches). These trips are ministries of presence, where we come alongside people who have ongoing trauma and grief from this event.
FPC invites you to volunteer with Just Help One, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to rebuilding homes in the flood disaster area of Kerrville. This is an excellent opportunity to provide hands-on assistance to those in need, regardless of your skill level. If you do possess a specific skill set, please let the team know!
TIME: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Tuesday - Friday (7-hour shifts)
MEETING PLACE: 3 Buena Vista, Kerrville, TX 78028
AGES: Family friendly - All ages welcome
REGISTRATION: Required through Just Help One
Volunteer Sign Up Volunteer Waiver
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must register with Just Help One and sign their liability waiver
- Mandatory attire: closed-toed shoes and long pants
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- This is a family-friendly and outdoor volunteer opportunity
- Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome
- Lunch and a t-shirt will be provided, with a 1-hour lunch break
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Your own transportation to/from job sites
- Comfortable clothing suitable for construction work
- Gloves and a water bottle for personal use
FPC is teaming up with Somebody Cares to send volunteer teams into the Hill Country, supporting families as they recover and rebuild after the recent flooding. Your hands and heart can make a real impact—sign up today and be a part of the difference!
Please note: Flexibility is Key! If the weather changes, our plans may need to change as well.
Ages 18+ Registration Required
Volunteer Sign Up Volunteer Waiver
TIME: 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM, Monday - Saturday
MEETING PLACE: Bumblebee Hills Neighborhood: 213 Honey Bee Ingram, TX
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must register with Somebody Cares (volunteer registration link will be in registration process and confirmation email)
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- All supplies will be provided
- You will help with site cleanup and home rebuild. All levels of skill are welcome! Construction experience is a plus, but not required.
- Water will be provided
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
- Your own transportation to/from job sites
- Clothing you do not mind getting paint on
- Long, sturdy pants and closed toe shoes or work boots
In San Antonio
- Comfort Kits - Help put together ‘Comfort Kits’ that our emotional/spiritual care teams will take to groups in the Hill Country.
- Emotional and Spiritual Care in Disasters Training - Get training to be prepared for the next disaster – Over the next few months, we’ll be featuring training that can equip you with practical disaster relief skills and how to offer spiritual first aid. Equipped with these skills, we’ll be prepared to help now and in future disasters.
Are you ready to be a part of the rebuilding?
It might be a life-changing experience!
Register for FPC Volunteer Notifications
Comfort Kit Assembly Event
Sunday, September 7, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Geneva Room.
Participate in our congregation-wide event to assemble Comfort Kits for families and children affected by the Hill Country flooding. We invite everyone to bring their donations by Sunday, September 7, to join in this meaningful activity. The event will take place during church hours and is open to all. See the list below for donation items needed. Donations can also be purchased via our Amazon wish list.
Each Comfort Kit contains:
- A Gift Card (HEB, Whataburger. Etc.) $20-$25 suggested
- Off bug spray
- Work gloves
- 2 Kleenex packs
- Microfiber towel
- Mask/bandana
- Hand sanitizer
- Snack – (granola/protein bar)
- 3 Electrolyte powder packets
- Lens cleaner wipes
- 2 Alcohol swabs
- Small pocket journal
- Writing pen
- Small First Aid kit
- Handwritten thank you or letter of encouragement in an envelope.
Share Your Serving Stories
The FPC Family would love to celebrate all that God is doing through those who are serving our hill country communities. Photos and testimonies may be used on church social media or in church publications, so please be sure you let us know if we have permission to use them or if we need to keep identifying details anonymous.
