On July 4, 2025, the Kerr County flood changed everything in a matter of hours. But when the waters receded, this community did what it has always done in hard times, it came together to help neighbors rebuild.
Welcome Home shares the stories of individuals and families who are returning home and moving forward after disaster. These recoveries were funded by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and made possible through the dedicated work of nonprofit partners, local disaster case managers, donors, volunteers, and caring neighbors.
Each story is a reminder that recovery does not happen alone. It happens through resilience, partnership, and the steady hope of a community determined to bring people home.
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Welcome Home Blessing for Keith & Karel Halbert
Today, we had the pleasure of visiting Keith and Karel Halbert at their new home in Kerrville. Before the July 4, 2025, floods, the Halberts had been living in an RV in Ingram. In the early morning hours, a first responder came pounding on their door, urgently warning them to get up and get out. […]
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Welcome home for Robert & Victoria Hight
On March 31, we had the privilege of visiting the home of Robert and Victoria Hight in Center Point as they continue the journey of moving back into their home after the devastating July 4, 2025 flood. The Hights have three young children—their energetic boys, Alex and Henry, and their youngest daughter, Buan, whom Victoria […]
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Welcome Home Blessing for Patricia Moreno
Today we visited Patricia Moreno and her son, Thaddaeus, and presented them with a Bible and a pantry basket and gift card from HEB. Patricia and her two sons, Thaddeus and Jonah were living along the Guadalupe River on the morning of July 4 when they were jolted awake by someone pounding on their front […]
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Welcome Home Blessing for Richard House
On Monday, March 16, the Community Foundation celebrated a welcome home blessing for Richard House. Rev. David Payne, Community Foundation representative Jayne Zirkel, and disaster case manager Angela Greene gathered with Mr. House around 10 a.m. in front of his new-to-him RV before he invited everyone inside for a tour. The home is warm, comfortable, […]
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Welcome Home Blessing for Loretta Kemp
Tuesday morning of March 17 at 11 a.m., we gathered at Loretta Kemp’s home for her welcome home blessing. Joining me were Rev. David Payne, Beth Palmer (case manager), Mary Campana and Katie from Habitat for Humanity, and Kean Tonetti from the Foundation. It was a warm and meaningful visit with Ms. Kemp, a retired […]
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Welcome Home Blessing for Gary Broach
For decades, Gary Broach, owner of Rhodes Taxidermy, has given back to this community, supporting 4-H, FFA and local youth programs across the Hill Country. He is not someone accustomed to being on the receiving end. After the July 4 flood damaged his home, the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country helped support the […]
QUICK LINKS AND RESOURCES
Community Data
Needs Assessment
On August 4, 2025, we launched a survey to understand what flood-impacted households need most to recover. Community members shared information about housing damage, financial challenges, health needs, and other impacts.
Recovery Program Tracker
An overview of household progress across Community Foundation flood recovery programs.