July 4 marks one year since devastating floods swept through Central Texas, forever changing lives and communities. In the days and weeks that followed, the American Red Cross worked alongside partners to provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, financial assistance, family travel support and emotional care for thousands of people affected by the disaster.
As we reflect on the anniversary, we remember the people, volunteers and moments that defined the response and demonstrated the power of community during an incredibly difficult time.
One example of that community spirit was the partnership between the Red Cross and Goodwill San Antonio. Within 24 hours of the flooding, Goodwill was activated as an official community partner, and a Donation Distribution Center opened in Kerrville.
The local store quickly transformed into a critical relief hub, receiving and distributing more than 30 tons of donated clothing, food and household essentials from across the country. From July through October, Red Cross volunteers worked alongside Goodwill staff and volunteers to sort donations, stock the flood relief pantry and ensure resources reached families, first responders and volunteers impacted by the disaster. Together, the partnership provided comfort, support and hope to a community facing immense loss.
Across Central Texas, Red Cross volunteers witnessed countless stories of resilience, compassion and determination. One of those people was Cristina Rodriguez, whom Red Cross volunteers met at a VFW distribution site in Sandy Creek just days after the floodwaters swept away her home and belongings. Though she was grieving her own losses, Cristina spent her evenings volunteering at the VFW and helping neighbors in need.
During a conversation with Red Cross volunteers, Cristina shared the sadness she carried following the disaster. A stuffed animal offered at the site brought her unexpected comfort and became a simple reminder that even small acts of kindness can provide hope during overwhelming circumstances.
The response also brought together volunteers from across the country. Kyle Abraham, a 21-year-old Red Cross volunteer from Connecticut, deployed to Texas to support shelter operations. Working long shifts helping families access resources and services, he saw firsthand how communities came together in the face of loss.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of deploying has been interacting with people from all walks of life who find themselves in difficult situations and connecting them with resources,” Abraham said during his deployment.
Moments of hope could be found in unexpected places. At a hotel serving as temporary shelter, volunteers learned that a young girl named Chevelle loved to draw. They gathered art supplies for her, and before long her artwork filled the meal distribution area, bringing smiles to residents and volunteers alike.
One year later, these stories serve as reminders of the compassion and resilience that emerged throughout Central Texas in the aftermath of the floods. From neighbors helping neighbors to volunteers traveling hundreds of miles to lend a hand, countless acts of kindness helped people begin the long road to recovery.
That recovery continues today. Thanks to the generosity of Red Cross donors, the Long-Term Recovery program was able to provide an additional round of financial assistance to individuals and families affected by the floods, particularly those whose homes sustained major damage or were destroyed. For many families, this assistance offered another step forward on their recovery journey and helped address needs that remained long after the floodwaters receded.
As we remember the response one year later, stories like Cristina's, Kyle's and Chevelle's remind us that recovery is about more than restoring homes and communities—it's about restoring hope. As disasters continue to affect communities across the country, the need for volunteers and support remains constant. Together, we can continue providing help, hope and comfort when people need it most.
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