Jacksonville, Fla. – From July 4–7, catastrophic flash flooding devastated parts of Central Texas—especially along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. As of July 8, at least 110 people have been confirmed dead, with 94 fatalities in Kerr County alone, and more than 170 individuals remain missing. Entire communities were displaced as homes, roads and infrastructure were swept away in the floodwaters.
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church, is on the ground coordinating emergency response efforts in partnership with its nationwide network. In Kerrville, the Catholic Charities Mobile Relief Unit and staff from Catholic Charities of San Antonio were among the first responders—establishing a shelter at Notre Dame Catholic Church, distributing food, clothing and hygiene supplies, and offering emotional and pastoral care to survivors.
“When one part of the Body of Christ suffers, we all suffer,” said Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine. “The people of Central Texas need our prayers—and our action. Through Catholic Charities USA, we have a direct way to bring compassion and hope to those who are hurting.”
Unlike other disaster response agencies, Catholic Charities USA ensures that 100% of donations to its Disaster Relief Fund go directly to relief efforts. Administrative costs are covered through other funding sources, meaning your entire gift helps families recover and rebuild.
“Catholic Charities has the people, the presence and the faith to walk with those impacted by this disaster—not just in the first days, but in the months and years to come,” Bishop Pohlmeier said. “I urge all people of goodwill to join me in supporting their work.”
The best way to help right now is through financial donations. Catholic Charities has the infrastructure and partnerships in place to quickly provide shelter, food, clothing and other material needs. Your monetary gift ensures that resources reach the people who need them most—efficiently and effectively.
High-profile supporters have taken notice. Shakira, a Grammy-winning Colombian pop star, recently pledged proceeds from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio to aid flood victims—further underscoring CCUSA’s reputation as a trusted, compassionate and effective relief organization.
How You Can Help
- Donate Online by visiting www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/disaster-relief
- Share the Link through parish bulletins, lay ministries, Catholic organizational newsletters, and social media.
- Pray for the Victims and Responders. Please keep the people of Kerrville and all impacted communities in your prayers.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good,” said Bishop Pohlmeier. “Your gift today can be the answer to someone’s desperate prayer.”
Your support today provides rescue, shelter, meals, essential supplies—and hope—to those affected by this tragic disaster.
Header image: People take part in a vigil in memory of Texas flooding victims at Travis Park in San Antonio July 7, 2025. Flash floods in Texas killed more than 100 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including girls attending a summer camp, and left others still missing. OSV News photo/Marco Bello, Reuters
