A Call to Action: Five Ways to Support Our Texas Neighbors After the Floods

The heart of Texas has been shaken. The recent devastating floods have left an unimaginable trail of destruction, and our hearts ache for those who have lost so much.  We know that as a community, the Austin Apartment Association's membership has a strong desire to help.

This is a moment for us to come together and utilize the gifts and talents of our industry to contribute to the recovery.  

There are countless ways to make a tangible difference. Here are five crucial ways you can help the Texas flood victims right now:

1. Volunteer Your Time and Skills (Where Coordinated): For those able to be on the ground, your presence and practical assistance are invaluable. Cleanup efforts, debris removal, and sorting donations will be ongoing for weeks and months. However, it's vital to coordinate your efforts through established organizations to ensure safety and efficiency.
   • Contact the Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Kerrville is a primary point of contact for a volunteer database and can be reached at tcr.communityos.org or by calling 830-465-4797. They are coordinating volunteers for various needs, including cleanup and distribution.
   • Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN): ADRN's Disaster Survivor Hotline (512-806-0800 or 211) can connect you with opportunities for home cleanup, debris removal, and tarping.  ADRN also has an Amazon Wish List, and ways to give in-kind resources.
   • Explore Opportunities with Samaritan's Purse: Samaritan's Purse has deployed to hard-hit Kerr County and is seeking volunteers for property cleanup and mud-outs. Check spvolunteer.org for the latest information and to sign up.
2. Donate Essential Supplies: Many have lost everything. While monetary donations are often most flexible, certain physical items are critically needed. Look for local donation drives organized by reputable groups. Currently needed items include:
   •    Cleaning and recovery supplies: Bleach, mops, buckets, gloves, heavy-duty trash bags.
   •    Personal hygiene products: Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products.
   •    Diapers and baby wipes: For families with infants and young children.
   •    Bottled water and non-perishable food items: Shelf-stable snacks and easy-to-prepare meals.
3. Provide Meals to Responders and Victims: Organizations such as Mercy Chefs and World Central Kitchen are on the ground providing meals to those impacted.
4. Open Your Home to Displaced Pets: Animal shelters like Austin Pets Alive! are inundated with displaced animals. If you're able, consider fostering or adopting a pet to make space available and provide comfort to an animal in need.
5. Make a Monetary Donation: The Foundation of Long-Term Recovery.
   While immediate hands-on help and supply donations are crucial in the short term, monetary contributions are truly the lifeline for long-term rebuilding and recovery. Rebuilding homes, replacing lost belongings, and supporting mental health services for trauma victims require sustained financial support that can last for months, even years.
   Consider donating to reputable organizations that specialize in disaster relief and long-term recovery:
   • Central Texas Community Foundation (Wilco Cares Fund): This fund is dedicated to supporting victims of the July 2025 floods in Williamson County.
   • Kerr County Flood Relief Fund: Established by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, this fund directly supports vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts in the most impacted areas.
   • American Red Cross: The Red Cross is working tirelessly to provide shelter, food, and essential supplies. While they accept general donations, these funds are critical for their ongoing efforts. 

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the monumental task of healing and rebuilding. 

Here at the Austin Apartment Association, we know you are eager to lend a hand, offer your compassion, and resources to help our neighbors emerge stronger from this disaster. 

Together, we can make an impact. 

The mission of the Austin Apartment Association Foundation is to improve the lives of those in our communities through the gifts and talents of the rental housing industry and its partners.  

We carry out this mission by leveraging the rental housing industry to mobilize volunteers and contributions, directly addressing essential needs such as food insecurity and other basic necessities for those at risk of losing their shelter. 

AAA facilitates regular community outreach activities for multifamily industry professionals to give back to the overall community.  Click here to learn more.