More than 130 households whose homes were damaged or destroyed in flooding have now returned to permanent housing in the Texas Hill Country, marking a major step in recovery for communities hit hard by devastation.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said rebuilding in Kerr County has been a slow and steady process as residents recover from one of the worst floods the area has ever seen. The recovery mission is continuing, with more than 200 households either home already or expected to return home in the near future.
Wilbur Vance, a Kerr County resident who lost his home in the flooding, described the long road back. “It’s been a long haul,” Vance said.
Vance said the fast-rising water left little behind. “All the interior furniture, everything was lost, except for a few items, you know. We was able to get out of there, retrieved, because the water was coming real fast,” he said.
Community leaders and residents say the county’s progress reflects a broader sense of hope as neighbors and local organizations rally to support rebuilding. Resources such as the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund have helped residents as they work to recover what was lost.
Greg Adkins, another resident, said the community response has stood out. “I would rather live through a disaster than Kerrville, Texas, because this place is incredible, the people, the networks, the foundations, the nonprofits, everything has just been incredible,” Adkins said.
County leaders say there is still plenty of work to be done, but the growing number of households returning to permanent housing is a sign of continued progress as recovery efforts move forward.