Current Status: Recovery operations are underway. Trained Early Response Team (ERT) volunteers are now deploying to affected communities.

Ways You Can Help

 
 

GIVE
Support relief and long-term recovery.
Advance #2050 – Conference Disaster Response

Text RESPONSE to
210-762-4200

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VOLUNTEER
Early Response Teams (ERTs) provide a caring Christian presence to disaster survivors by helping families begin the long journey of recovery. From muck-outs and debris removal to tarping roofs and offering hope, ERT volunteers are often among the first organized teams to serve after a disaster.

Teams are now deploying to affected communities, and additional volunteers are needed as recovery continues.

Learn more & sign up to serve
 

PRAY
Please continue praying for those affected by flooding, first responders, local churches, and everyone working to bring hope and healing to impacted communities.

Response in Action

Disaster Recovery Coordinators and local leaders are already on the ground assessing damage across affected communities. These assessments help determine where Early Response Teams, partner organizations, and local churches can safely begin recovery work.

A Message from Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey
July 16, 2026

"Once again, our hearts ache as we watch the devastating news of flooding across the Texas Hill Country. Almost one year ago, many of these same communities endured unimaginable loss, and now they face yet another season of grief and uncertainty.

Please continue to hold all who are affected in your prayers—those who fear, those who have been displaced, first responders, relief workers, and the churches that will become places of refuge and hope.

As opportunities arise to serve, we will communicate those needs as quickly as possible. Until then, the most faithful response is to pray, to give, and to trust that God will continue to work through the people called United Methodist to bring hope and healing."

— Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey

Kerrville, TX. July 16, 2026. Photo by Lamar Davis

Kerrville, TX. July 16, 2026. Photo by Lamar Davis

How the Rio Texas Conference Is Responding

Rio Texas Conference Disaster Response is working alongside local churches, pastors, emergency management officials, and community partners to assess needs and coordinate a safe, effective response.

As requests for assistance are received, we will:
• Coordinate Early Response Team (ERT) deployments
• Support local churches serving their communities
• Share verified volunteer opportunities
• Share timely updates and resources through official Rio Texas Conference communication channels.
• Support long-term recovery efforts as needs emerge

Church Communications Resources

Need to keep your congregation informed?

We've created a free Communications Toolkit with ready-to-use worship slides, social media graphics, sample captions, a Sunday announcement script, photos, and editable Canva templates to help your church communicate during times of disaster.

Access the Communications Toolkit
 

Additional Resources

RIO TEXAS DISASTER RESPONSE
For volunteer registration, ERT training, preparedness resources, ministry manuals, and additional disaster response information, visit the official Rio Texas Disaster Response website.
→ Visit RioTexasResponse.org

Emergency Response Team (ERT) Training
Learn how to become a trained Emergency Response Team volunteer or register for an upcoming training event.
→ View the latest flyer ERT Training July 2026

TEXAS ROAD CONDITIONS
View current road closures, travel conditions, and flood-related impacts across Texas before traveling. This external website is owned and operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. Always follow local emergency guidance and remember: Turn Around, Don't Drown.
→ Visit DriveTexas https://drivetexas.org/

STORIES OF HOPE
Disaster response is about more than cleanup—it's about neighbors serving neighbors, churches becoming places of hope, and lives being transformed through Christ's love.

Watch stories from pastors, volunteers, churches, and communities whose lives have been impacted through Rio Texas Conference disaster response.
→ Watch the Disaster Response Stories Playlist

Stay Connected

Please follow our social media accounts for important updates: