Only about one-fifth of federal disaster aid applications from Texas' Kerr County have been approved more than three months after deadly July 4 floods. The low approval rate has left hundreds without assistance, prompting questions from advocates. Nonprofits are stepping in to provide support amid the delays.
Deadly floods struck Kerr County on July 4, 2024, when the Guadalupe River surged in the early morning hours, causing most of the deaths in central Texas. More than 100 people died in the county, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic and generations of families along the river. The disaster prompted 3,228 applications to FEMA's Individuals and Households Program.
As of October 11, FEMA had referred only 46 percent of these applications—1,749 remained unreviewed past the initial stage. Among those evaluated, just 704 were deemed eligible, or 22 percent, while 775 were denied, mostly due to non-response or voluntary withdrawal. This contrasts with a 39 percent eligibility rate across 170 disasters from 2015 to May 2024, according to Carnegie Endowment researcher Sarah Labowitz. Nine other central Texas counties with flood damage saw higher approval proportions and $37 million in aid.
Advocates question the disparities, especially since most applicants are over 50, applied online from Kerrville, and face spotty cell service, limited internet, and emotional challenges. FEMA no longer conducts door-to-door outreach and requires an email for applications. "It’s yet another burden on somebody who has just been through one of the worst days of their life," said Maddie Sloan, director of Texas Appleseed's Disaster Recovery and Fair Housing Project.
FEMA did not comment, amid a government shutdown and past threats from President Donald Trump to eliminate the agency. Aid is meant to cover hotels, rent, home repairs, medical, and transportation needs. Without it, victims risk leaving the area or falling behind on bills, said Brittanny Perrigue Gomez of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which handles over 140 cases.
Nonprofits are filling gaps. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country raised over $100 million, disbursing $11.9 million by July's end—averaging $5,000 per family—and funding 28 case managers for 673 victims. First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville distributed $250,000 in private donations plus $557,500 from the foundation for repairs, vehicles, and rent. "These are our people and we want to get them to full recovery," said case manager Bailey Havis. Airbnb.org received $1.6 million for housing 60 affected households up to a year. Even approved aid feels minimal to some, per church pastor Jasiel Hernandez Garcia. "Every dollar matters," noted Texas A&M's Michelle Meyer, emphasizing aid for uninsured and vulnerable residents.