As needs grow in the wake of deadly flooding in Texas, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers are on the ground, continuing to clear debris, remove damaged trees, assess damages and pray with communities.
Severe flooding struck central Texas beginning on July 4 as torrential rains from a stalled storm system caused rivers, especially the Guadalupe, to rise rapidly and overflow. Communities across the Hill Country suffered devastating losses and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
As of July 14, MDS was focusing assessments on three counties in the flood-battered area: Kerr, Tom Green and Travis.
The work goes on even as new flooding hit the same areas on July 13, prompting dozens of swift-water rescues. The first deluge in Texas July 4 has killed at least 132 people, including 106 in Kerr County alone.
Working with emergency management officials, MDS has identified 614 homes in Kerr County, 232 homes in Tom Green County and 230 homes in Travis County that need major repairs or rebuilding.
Groups of volunteers from Seminole Mennonite Church worked on the ground the week of July 7 and planned to return the week of July 14. An MDS tool trailer was to arrive the week of July 14 to support volunteers.
Ways to help
Donate: Consider designating a donation to “2025 Texas Floods” so that even more volunteers can have the resources to provide relief.
Volunteer: Join the waiting list now. There are many ways to volunteer, including crafting wall hangings or becoming a church contact person.
Pray: Pray for MDS volunteers, for first responders and for all the people who have lost loved ones in this disaster.
For more information or to donate, visit: www.mds.org/donate-usa/.
Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches dedicated to responding to natural and man-made disasters in Canada and the United States.
Their aim is to assist the most vulnerable community members, individuals and families who would not otherwise have the means to recover. MDS volunteers provide the skills and labor needed to respond, rebuild and restore in the wake of a disaster.
