Emotional & Spiritual Care
Strength in Individuals. Strength in Community.
After a disaster, mental health concerns are often part of the damage we cannot see. That does not mean that it’s not there. As a community, we have endured many and prolonged challenges. The flood’s impact isn’t only physical. Stress, grief, sleep problems, and anxiety are common, and everyone’s blend of symptoms are unique.
Progress is happening in our businesses, our families, our river, and our infrastructure. Equal in importance to rebuilding the land and buildings is rebuilding the people. At Kerr Together, we know each person’s journey is different through the storm… and the one that followed. No matter where you are, know that you are not alone if things seem extra challenging – and there is help available. Getting help may look different for each person – and all kinds of resources are available. We welcome you to have a look at the many ways to receive the hand up you need.
Immediate Crisis Support (24/7)
If you or someone you know is in immediate emotional distress or crisis,
please use these services:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online (24/7).
Trained counselors provide free, confidential help nationwide. - Hill Country MHDD Crisis Hotline: Call 877-466-0660 (24/7).
Local Mental Health Agency (LMHA) for Kerr County that can connect you to crisis teams and follow-up care. - Hill Country MHDD Walk-in Support: Call 830-955-1745 or visit 819 Water St., Suite 170, Kerrville, TX 78028.
Monday through Friday, 8am – 6pm. - Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (24/7).
Crisis counseling for disaster survivors and caregivers. - Kerr County Sheriff (non-emergency): Call 830-896-1216 (24/7).
- Life-Threatening Emergencies: Call 911 (24/7).
Long-Term Wellness
Healing is a process, and professional support is a critical step in long-term recovery from post-disaster trauma.
Find Support Groups
Connect with local peer-led and professional support groups facilitated by vetted community organizations and faith-based partners.
Counseling Centers
Contact information for local counseling services, therapists, and non-profit centers offering pro bono or reduced-cost services for disaster survivors.
Spiritual Guidance
Faith communities play a profound role in healing and resilience. We coordinate access to faith-based support and resources for those seeking spiritual guidance.
EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL WORKING GROUP: BY THE NUMBERS…
984
Individual Sessions Assisted
144
Licensed Providers Deployed
34
Peer Support Events Held
Working Group Leadership
Rev. David E. Payne
Co-Chair
Senior Pastor,
Kerrville First United Methodist Church
Rev. Bill Blackburn
Co-Chair
Retired Pastor
Former Mayor of Kerrville
Current Projects
Hummingly Foundation Workshops for Kerr County Area
Guadalupe Valley
The H.E. Butt Foundation, Hill Country Community Foundation, Scripps Foundation, and the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church have all sponsored the contracting of the Hummingly Foundation (hummingly.org) to offer Emotional Help Workshops for the Kerr County Area. The Hummingly Foundation’s mission is “Education and resources to make recovery more human—helping both communities and their supporters navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges ahead.”
To date, there have been 2 workshops aimed at people providing support our communities called Sustaining the Supporters. One workshop took place in Hunt for the Business Community (Leading Through Disruption and Uncertainty For Business Leaders). Upcoming, we have workshops for Community Leaders, Work Teams, and People who work with children. For more information on these workshops, you can contact David Payne, Chair of the Kerr Together LTRG at david.payne@kfumc.org
Welcome Home Initiative
Guadalupe Valley
The Emotional and Spiritual Workgroup of the Kerr Together LTRG has partnered with the Hill Country Community Foundation in an initiative to welcome survivors of the July 4th flooding into their new homes. At last count 212 families have or will be living in new home. These include newly built and repaired homes and R.V.s, homes purchased through the down payment assistance program, and other forms of housing provided for those who had lost a safe space to live.
This initiative simply welcomes the families into and celebrates the new living conditions. In partnership with HEB, they are provided with a basket of pantry items and gift card to HEB, a Bible, and pictures of their new home.
Our Partners
The entire Kerr Together response to this disaster began with collaboration.
We appreciate the work, expertise, guidance, and financial contributions of our valued partners.
JOIN US!
If you would like to join our work, we’d love to connect!
From financial resources and expertise to volunteer hours and group collaborations, this is a team effort. Let’s start a conversation!