Emergency financial assistance is available to Uvalde County residents affected by July’s flood, by way of a $317,192 Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country grant.
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc. received the money to distribute to flood-affected households, with assistance available for needs including building materials, temporary or long-term lodging and income lost because of the disaster.
After meeting with more than 500 families, Catholic Charities found housing and money to repair or rebuild damaged homes are among residents’ greatest long-term needs.
To apply for assistance, residents must complete the needs assessment at forms.connectivetx.org/376 . Catholic Charities will then make contact and set up an appointment. Proof of residence is required.
Funding is determined by the number of individuals per household. Households are capped at five residents.
The charity is currently operating out of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church CCD facility, at 408 Fort Clark Road.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country used iSTAT data, gathered by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and its own assessments to determine how much money it could provide the area.
“What we find is that in disasters, particularly natural disasters… that have affected a large group of people, the first right step is to get them fast, flexible financial support because they know what they need best,” Austin Dickson, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country’s CEO, said.
In the days after the flood, the charity provided resources and supplies, put individuals in short term housing through a partnership with Airbnb, and began gathering demographic information and doing case management.
Both the charity and foundation offered services or funding to the community after the Robb Elementary School shooting in May 2022.
“This is why we exist, this is the work that we’re meant to do,” Omar Davila, senior director of Essential Support Services, for Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc., said. “In my opinion we are living the Gospel in action. We are doing what we’ve been called to do by Christ.”
“I’m really proud that it’s less than three weeks after the flood, and families are already getting cash assistance,” Dickson stated. “In most disasters that’s really fast…”
Dickson also stated the foundation is monitoring the fund.
“We’ll consider a second grant if that’s necessary as we move forward,” he stated.
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