SWT Synod Disaster Preparedness and Response

Hill Country Flood Response:

On the Ground and Moving Forward

2026 Disaster Response: Hill Country Flooding

In response to the severe Hill Country flooding, our disaster response team has rapidly mobilized to bring relief, resources, and stability to the hardest-hit areas. We are actively coordinating across multiple levels to ensure affected families get exactly what they need.

Here is an update on our current operations:

• State-Level Resource Coordination: We are working directly with state agencies to secure and distribute vital resources, ensuring they reach the communities in immediate need as quickly as possible.
• Partnering with GEM in Kerr County: In collaboration with the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), we are supporting Kerr County residents by equipping volunteer crews with the essential supplies required for mucking and gutting flooded homes.
• Ecumenical Relief Network: To expand our footprint on the ground, we are proud to partner with St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the United Methodist groups. By pooling our resources and networks, we are able to serve more families efficiently.
• Immediate & Long-Term Volunteer Operations: We are rapidly organizing immediate, boots-on-the-ground volunteer efforts for urgent relief and cleanup, while also building out sustained, long-term volunteer opportunities for anyone looking to step up and help these communities rebuild in the months ahead.

We will continue to stand by our neighbors and adapt our response as the recovery process continues.

Bryce Kennedy, Innovator for Resiliency and Preparedness

Training Options:

• Muck and Gut training
• Mental Health First Aid
• Community Preparedness Toolkit

Ways to assist:

• Make a Donation to the SWT Disaster Fund
• Make a Donation to ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response
• Synod work days (will be organized and promoted through eNews as needed)
• Spiritual/emotional support through on-site prayer, with comfort bags, etc.
• We understand you want to help, but there are common ways like sending clothes or stuffed animals that are less helpful.

How well is my congregation prepared for a disaster?

• Where are our legal documents and church records kept?
• Who knows where/how to turn off water/power to the building?
• What is the contact information for our insurance?

For more information and how you can help,
contact Bryce Kennedy 830-379-9900 x14.

2026 Disaster Response: Victoria County Tornado

Southwestern Texas Synod, Victoria County Emergency Management, and United Way partnered together to begin gathering volunteers and coordinating relief efforts for the Placedo community following the May 1 tornado.

We also want to say thank you to Lyondell Basell for signing up volunteers and bringing supplies, Niagara Bottling for water donations supporting both the community and volunteers, and the Salvation Army for supplying lunch for the volunteers during recovery efforts.

Thank you to everyone stepping up to serve our neighbors in need.