Annie’s Helping Hands Launches Pilot Program
Annie’s Helping Hands Foundation, a local nonprofit based in Kerrville, Texas, has been on the front lines supporting flood survivors since the July 4th flooding, and is now leading a new initiative to help residents rebuild safely and resiliently.
Founded by Paul Bobo and Michelle Bruninga, Annie’s Helping Hands immediately began assisting residents and businesses with urgent needs after the flood, providing supplies, guidance, and support. “When the flooding happened on July 4th, our neighbors didn’t just lose houses – they lost safety, stability, and a sense of what comes next,” said Michelle Bruninga, Co-Founder of Annie’s Helping Hands Foundation. “Our goal at Annie’s has always been to stand in that gap. Helping families secure elevation certificates and raise homes above the floodplain isn’t just about construction; it’s about giving people a future and security”
During the first week of response, Precinct 202 Chair Robbie Petitfils visited Annie’s River Cottage, which was serving as the organization’s home base, to conduct assessments. This visit marked the beginning of a collaborative relationship between Kerr County and the local nonprofit. “When I first visited Annie’s River Cottage after the flood, I saw a grassroots team already doing the work – organizing, guiding residents, and finding solutions,” said Robbie Petitfils, Precinct 202 Chair. “Partnering with Annie’s Helping Hands has allowed Kerr County to reach more families, more quickly. This pilot program for elevation certificates is a model of how local governent and nonprofits can come together to protect our communities.”
By the end of July, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) was in the area assessing homes for damage. On the day TDEM visited Annie’s River Cottage, Robbie and Michelle were assembling folders for residents that included “roadmaps to rebuild” – clear, practical steps for homeowners navigating recovery.
Recognizing a critical need, Annie’s Helping Hands asked a team of engineers to help design a pilot program for elevation certificates in Center Point. Most properties evaluated passed without needing elevation, but one home required being raised above the floodplain. This became a new mission and a new challenge.
Annie’s Helping Hands stepped up to fundraise for the project. After approximately three weeks of intensive planning with engineers and Planet 3 Elevations, the home was successfully raised three feet above the floodplain in October – a major milestone for both the homeowners and the community.
“We started Annie’s Helping Hands to respond to urgent needs, but this elevation work has shown us how powerful local partnerships can be,” said Founder Paul Bobo. “By working side-by-side with the engineers, and our community supporters, we’re not only rebuilding after this disaster – we’re helping prevent the next one.”
Staying vigilant and committed to this new focus, Annie’s Helping Hands continued working with its engineering partners to use earlier assessments to identify additional properties in need of elevation certificates to safely rebuild. After four months of grant writing, community outreach, and participation in housing and recovery boards, Annie’s secured funding from a private, community-focused company to expand this critical work.
In addition to its elevation certificate initiative, Annie’s Helping Hands Foundation remains an urgent-needs nonprofit, assisting families with unmet needs and providing advocacy for the most critical cases affected by the flooding and its aftermath.
Annie’s Helping Hands is now a partner of Kerr Together Long Term Recovery, working collaboratively to ensure that our communities can rebuild stronger and safer.
If you are in need of an elevation certificate or recovery support, please contact:
Annie’s Helping Hands Foundation
Partner of Kerr Together Long Term Recovery
98 Coronado N
Kerrville, TX 78024
Website: annieshelpinghands.org
Phone: (310) 294-6446
