Latest news with #KerrCountyFloodReliefFund
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Selena Gomez Urges Fans to Support Flood Victims in Her Texas Hometown: 'My Heart Breaks for Those Who've Lost Everything'
As devastating floodwaters tore through the heart of the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, pop star and actress Selena Gomez is using her voice and her heart to shine a light on the catastrophic loss unfolding in her home state. Gomez called on her global fanbase to support recovery efforts through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a lifeline for those grappling with the aftermath of one of the region's most destructive natural disasters in recent memory. 'So many are hurting and have lost everything, including loved ones, in my home state of Texas,'Gomez shared. 'My heart breaks for those who have lost someone and anyone still missing. The people of Texas will need our help as they rebuild from this unfathomable disaster. I'll be donating to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.' And with that, the Texas-born star has once again shown that her compassion goes far beyond her chart-topping music or blockbuster roles. For Gomez, this crisis is personal. The floods, which struck after days of relentless rain, swept through Boerne, Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort, leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Flash floods submerged roads, swallowed homes, and tragically claimed lives. As of July 11, local officials report dozens still missing, while emergency shelters remain packed with families who escaped with only the clothes on their backs. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, created by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, is helping fuel emergency relief and rebuilding efforts across the hardest-hit areas. The Foundation, a trusted 501(c)(3) charity based in Kerrville, has pledged that 100% of donations will go directly to vetted local nonprofits, first responder agencies, and municipal recovery efforts. 'Together, we can make a meaningful difference during this challenging time,' the Foundation said in a statement. While the fund cannot distribute aid to individuals directly or replace personal property, it plays a critical role in sustaining the organizations providing food, shelter, emergency care, and long-term support to thousands in need. Gomez's appeal went beyond financial aid. She emphasized the emotional toll disasters like this take on individuals and families, urging those in pain to seek mental health support. 'If you are able, please consider doing the same,' she said, encouraging fans to donate. 'And, as the community mourns, please know mental health support is available. For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988. For disaster-related emotional distress, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.' As the nation watches the recovery effort unfold, Gomez's message reminds us that empathy must lead the way. The floods may have washed away homes and lives, but they have not erased community or hope. Through collective action, the people of the Texas Hill Country can begin to rebuild what was lost and emerge stronger. If you are in a position to give, donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund can be made through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's official website, where every dollar is tax-deductible and goes toward vetted, community-centered relief efforts. Because when Texas is hurting, Selena reminds us, it's not just a headline. It's home. And home deserves our help. The post Selena Gomez Urges Fans to Support Flood Victims in Her Texas Hometown: 'My Heart Breaks for Those Who've Lost Everything' appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
The Hill
6 days ago
- General
- The Hill
$30M raised to help Texas flood victims, foundation announces
A Texas non-profit foundation on Friday said $30 million has been raised to support those in Kerr County impacted by the recent floods. 'In just one week, donors from across Texas and beyond have given over $30 million to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund—a powerful show of support for our neighbors in crisis,' the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country wrote in a post on Facebook. Catastrophic flash flooding from the Guadalupe River struck central Texas over the July 4 weekend, killing at least 120 people, including at least 96 in Kerr County, officials have said. At least 27 were campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a decades-old Christian girls camp in the city of Hunt located along the river. More than 160 people remain missing as rescue teams search through debris. The foundation said the first $5 million in emergency grants are already being distributed to vetted nonprofits across the Hill Country. According to the post, funds will directly support individuals and families, local businesses, first responders and crisis response efforts. 'The outpouring of support has been amazing, but will be much needed for a long time to come. Thank you to all who donated. Any amount is greatly appreciated,' the official Kerr County account wrote in a Friday post on Facebook. Another donor lauded the foundation for their work in the local community amid turmoil. 'My heart is so overwhelmed. I am so proud to be a Texan. To call Kerrville my daughter's hometown. And to support this local foundation – who has so compassionately and professionally handled this enormous relief effort,' Geri Magnell wrote in a Facebook post. 'This is light in our darkest times.'
Business Wire
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Humana Foundation Responds to Central Texas Flood Tragedy with $500,000 in Recovery Support
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Humana Foundation, philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), announced today a $500,000 donation to aid recovery efforts in Central Texas following the tragic flooding that struck over the July 4 holiday weekend. The Humana Foundation is coordinating efforts with its partner in the region, Reach Resilience, and is matching their donation of $500,000. The catastrophic flooding has claimed the lives of at least 109 individuals, including 28 children. Among those still missing are several campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic which sits along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Communities across the Texas Hill Country are reeling from the destruction, with emergency responders and volunteers working tirelessly to find the missing and provide relief. In response, the Humana Foundation is directing $150,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hills Country to support the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, $100,000 to Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas, $100,000 to Center for Disaster Philanthropy, and $150,000 to San Antonio Food Bank. 'Our hearts are torn by the depth of this unimaginable tragedy,' said Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation. 'The pain and loss felt across Central Texas are profound, and we grieve alongside every family and community affected. Though it's hard to look ahead to recovery in the face of such overwhelming loss, we remain unwavering in our commitment to help ensure that critical support is available for those who need it.' Humana employees, deeply moved by this devastating crisis, are also responding with compassion through a company-wide giving effort. Their collective support will be directed to trusted nonprofit partners including the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen Incorporated, The Salvation Army Texas via The Salvation Army, Southern Territory, and Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country Inc. To learn more about the Humana Foundation's health equity mission, visit About the Humana Foundation The Humana Foundation was established in 1981 as the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc. and is focused on health equity, working to eliminate unjust, avoidable and unnecessary barriers in health and healthcare. The Foundation fosters evidence-based collaborations and investments that help people in underserved communities live connected, healthy lives. As a steward of good health, the Foundation creates healthy emotional connections for people and communities and is shaping a healthier approach to nutrition to support lifelong well-being. For more information, visit
Time Magazine
07-07-2025
- General
- Time Magazine
How You Can Help Texas Flooding Victims
Catastrophic flooding in central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend has left at least 88 people dead, and dozens are still missing as rescue efforts continue. The disaster is one of the deadliest floods in the country in the past century. About 27 of the nearly 90 confirmed victims of the deluge were campers and counselors at an all-girls Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic. Ten girls and a counselor from the camp are among those who remain missing. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott posted on X on Saturday that he visited the camp that day, saying, 'It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster.' 'The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking,' he said in his post. 'We won't stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins.' As news of the devastation has spread, many people are looking for ways to help. Here are some organizations that are aiding relief efforts. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund was created by the public charity Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to help support relief and rebuilding efforts. Donations can be made online or mailed to the foundation's office in Kerrville, Texas. TEXSAR TEXSAR is a nonprofit first responder organization based in Austin, Texas, and has deployed at least 51 volunteers to areas affected by the flooding. The organization has asked for online donations to help aid its relief efforts. World Central Kitchen World Central Kitchen said its Relief Team is in central Texas to help support people who have been affected by the flooding in the area. The organization provides freshly made meals to people impacted by disasters. You can donate online to help support the organization's work in Texas. Salvation Army The Salvation Army said it has deployed a mobile kitchen and team to the area, at the request of local emergency management and authorities. The organization said it is offering meals, drinks, and emotional and spiritual care to people affected by the flooding. It is accepting online donations from those who want to help support the organization's disaster response efforts. GoFundMe pages GoFundMe has collected a list of fundraising pages started by community members who have been affected by the flooding and are seeking help to recover from the disaster and rebuild their homes. Austin Pets Alive! The nonprofit organization has taken in more than 150 pets that were in areas affected by the flooding. The group said its top need was monetary donations, which can be made through its website. People can also donate supplies—including flea and tick meds, vaccines, plastic airline kennels for medium to large dogs, potty pads, dawn dish soap, and more—by dropping them off in the main visitor parking lot at 1156 West Cesar Chavez in Austin, Texas, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time. The organization is also seeking volunteers, foster families, and adopters.
Axios
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Axios
How to help after the Central Texas floods
At least 43 people — including 15 children — have died after severe flash floods inundated parts of Central Texas, including a girls' summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The big picture: Flooding began early Friday about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio and has since spread across the region, triggering evacuations and leaving communities in Kerr, Travis, Burnet and Williamson counties devastated. We've rounded up ways to support those affected by the flooding. Kerr County Flood Relief Fund Run by The Community Foundation, this fund supports vetted local organizations working on rescue, relief and recovery in Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point and Comfort. Verified fundraisers via GoFundMe GoFundMe is spotlighting trusted campaigns helping people impacted by flooding. The hub is continuously updated and includes many based in Central Texas. Red Cross shelters and aid The Red Cross has opened shelters for flood survivors in Kerrville and Comfort. They're providing food, shelter and emergency support. Donations help sustain their disaster response. Give to the Red Cross Volunteer crews are working around the clock.
