After Devastating Floods, a Central Texas Community Comes Together

Consider This from NPR
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Juana Summers

1. Devastating Impact of the Floods

Nearly a week after catastrophic flooding struck Kerr County, Texas, the community grapples with immense loss and destruction. The floods, which claimed the lives of over 100 residents, devastated areas between Kerrville and Ingram. In the immediate aftermath, local institutions have been repurposed to aid those affected.

2. City West Church Transformed into a Lifeline

The City West Church, traditionally a place of worship, has been converted into a bustling food distribution center. Volunteers tirelessly work around the clock, preparing and packaging meals for the community and first responders.

“Everybody here in Kerr County lost someone or knows someone that lost someone. So for those 70 or 100 volunteers that are with us every day, it's therapy for them.”
— Gary LeBlanc, CEO of Mercy Chefs [00:38]

3. Mercy Chefs Mobilizes to Provide Relief

Organized by Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit, the operation aims to deliver up to 5,000 hot meals daily. CEO Gary LeBlanc shared the rapid mobilization of the organization:

“We started mobilizing on July 4 and had its first meal service the next day.”
— Gary LeBlanc [00:35]

Mercy Chefs relies heavily on local volunteers, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in times of crisis.

4. Tim Thomason and the Blind Faith Foundation’s Efforts

Tim Thomason, a local leader from Ingram and head of the Blind Faith Foundation, plays a pivotal role in coordinating food distribution across the county.

“We're trying to feed the county. Normally it would be feeding a community or, you know, a few houses, but this is such a tragedy.”
— Tim Thomason [03:12]

Thomason recounts a poignant moment when his team reached a camp of 200 girls who had been stranded without meals for two days:

“As we pulled up upon this camp of 200 little girls, they come running out crying and high-fiving and hugging us because they hadn't had a meal in two days.”
— Tim Thomason [03:45]

5. Stories from Affected Families: The Murayama Family

The personal toll of the floods is evident in the stories of families like the Murayamas. Marta Murayama and her husband Miles experienced the terror of the floods firsthand.

“So he went out the back door, and the water swept him away... the water was 7 feet high in the garage. But in here, it only seeped in through the door.”
— Marta Murayama [07:55]

Despite losing everything inside their home, the Murayamas consider themselves fortunate as Miles survived the ordeal. Their resilience is a testament to the community's strength.

6. The Role of Local Coaches: Tate Damasco and Chris Russ

Local high school coaches like Tate Damasco and Chris Russ have been instrumental in the relief efforts. As the athletic director and head football coach at Ingram Tom Moore High School, Damasco coordinates meal deliveries alongside volunteers.

“I have never been hugged by so much sweaty men in my entire life.”
— Tim Thomason [04:24]

Chris Russ, a coach from Kerrville's Tyvey High School, returned from vacation to aid the community after learning of the tragedy involving fellow coach Dick Eastland and numerous campers.

“This kind of coming and doing this kind of keeps me busy and not thinking about some of the other things.”
— Chris Russ [10:08]

Russ highlights the involvement of local youth in the recovery process:

“We have quite a few guys over there helping to clean out houses, clean out cabins... kids are resilient and they'll get through it.”
— Chris Russ [10:49]

7. Emotional and Social Resilience

Amidst the devastation, the community's solidarity shines through. Leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining focus, encouraging one another, and fostering a spirit of love and support.

“We keep focus. We encourage each other. We love each other here.”
— Tim Thomason [04:24]

The collective efforts of volunteers, local leaders, and families underscore the resilience and unity of the Kerr County community in the face of tragedy.

8. Moving Forward Together

As the community works tirelessly to provide essentials like hot meals, they also begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives and homes. The shared experiences and mutual support not only address immediate needs but also lay the foundation for long-term recovery.

“Normalcy might be hard to reach anytime soon, but at least for today... people to have the routine experience of sharing a hot dinner.”
— Juana Summers [11:19]

Conclusion

The devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, have undeniably left scars on the community. However, the remarkable response from local organizations, volunteers, and leaders like Gary LeBlanc, Tim Thomason, Tate Damasco, and Chris Russ highlights the enduring human spirit. Their collective actions provide not just sustenance but also hope and a path toward healing for a community in crisis.

Produced by Tyler Bartlam, Erica Ryan, Vincent Akovino, and Michael Levitt. Edited by Courtney Dorning. Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun.