AUSTIN, TEXAS — Across the Hill Country, numerous residents have been displaced from their homes in the wake of destructive flooding fueled by heavy rains this week. Those lucky enough not to have experienced flooded-out homes are having to boil their water.
They could use your help.
As you read this, residents living along the Llano River are being evacuated from their homes in the wake of historic flooding and looming climactic threats. Many of them have already moved to shelters while waiting for the floodwaters to recede. Marble Falls residents now are forced to boil their water after the utility plant there and its backup intake valves were submerged, making normal drinking and bathing unsafe. In Burnet, Gillespie an Llano counties, beleaguered residents faced the threat of a flash flood warning in effect through Wednesday night.
Several charitable organizations have risen to the occasion, including HEB with a massive care package of bottled water. Shelters have been set up by the City of Meadowlakes at the Hidden Falls Country Club House; First Baptist Church of Marble Falls; and the Burnet Community Center.
Altruistic folks wishing to help their neighbor in need can do so in a number of ways:
Austin Disaster Relief Network
The Austin Disaster Relief Network is currently accepting monetary donations for Central Texas flood victims. The organization also has issued an immediate call for donations of pillows, with 50 immediately needed. “Austin Disaster Relief Network trains churches and individual volunteers in advance to be ready to provide critical assistance in times of disaster, great or small,” officials wrote on their website. The group also runs the Hope Family Thrift Store, 1122 E 51st St., offering shoppers gently used items at affordable prices, including clothing, furniture, decor, small appliances, household items, boutique items and more. With each purchase, customers contribute to help families and individuals affected by disaster.
Burnet County Flood Donations
A centralized location for donations has been established in Marble Falls, Texas, a community in the midst of the destruction located just under 50 miles northeast of Austin as the crow flies. The collection point is the First United Methodist Church at 1101 Bluebonnet Dr. Volunteers there began accepting donations at noon on Wednesday. The items in greatest need include:
- Bottled water and Gatorade.
- Cleaning supplies, including bleach, cleaners containing bleach, gloves, hand sanitizer, laundry soap, paper towels and utility rags.
- Gift cards redeemable at such retailers as HEB, Lowes, Home Depot and Walmart.
- Industrial-grade garbage bags
- Tools and equipment, including buckets, fans (large ones), rakes, shovels, sorting bins and work gloves.
There is no current need for clothing or furniture, volunteers say. Speaking of volunteers, their base of operation is at Marble Falls First Baptist Churth at 901 La Ventana Dr., and those wishing to join their ranks to help with clean-up and other assistance can report there.
Catholic Charities of Central Texas
Catholic Charities of Central Texas has set up a disaster response hotline to connect individuals and families in Llano, Mason, Kingsland, Horseshoe Bay, and Marble Falls with needed resources. Those affected by flooding can call the hotline at (512) 766-7111 or email [email protected]. Those wishing to make tax-deductible donations in support of recovery efforts or to volunteer their services can learn more at the Catholic Charities of Central Texas website here: CCCTX’s website.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross volunteers are assisting residents along the swollen Llano River. To help with those efforts, visit the Red Cross website.
Related stories:
Nature’s Fury: Central Texas Rain Leaves Destruction In Its Wake
Incoming Heavy Rain Prompts Flood Warnings For Travis, Williamson
Texas Transportation Officials To Assess Storm Damage
Flash Flooding Alerts Issued After Heavy Central Texas Rain
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