The Unfortunate Truth: Disaster Relief Organizations are Imperative for Central Texas

By Piper Stege Nelson

To be honest, it is so hard to read or listen to most of the reports about last year’s horrific flooding in Central Texas. As a parent, as a human, it is simply impossible to imagine what it was like to be there during the disaster and in the aftermath: lost children, flooded homes, displaced families and entire communities struggling to recover. 

But for the disaster relief organizations working in our community, they do not get to imagine: they are there. Because of these organizations and their work, professional rescuers rush to help our neighbors and volunteers step in to clear debris and provide care. We saw that last year during Central Texas flooded, and when major winter storms hit our community, and wild fires before that. 

In a recent conversation, Julie Johnson, Associate Director at the Central Texas Community Foundation, highlighted the critical role disaster relief nonprofits play in helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies - especially as extreme weather events become more frequent across Texas.

The key takeaway from our conversation is that we cannot wait until a disaster to equip these disaster relief organizations with the funds, staff and support they need: we must do it now that they stand fully ready to respond immediately the next time we need them. 

Why Disaster Relief Organizations Matter

Disaster relief is much more than emergency response. While organizations such as the American Red Cross, Austin Disaster Relief Network, Crisis Cleanup, local churches, and community groups mobilize quickly to provide food, shelter, rescue services, and immediate support, their work begins long before a disaster occurs.

These organizations spend months and years preparing for emergencies by training volunteers, building response networks, securing equipment, and establishing systems that can be activated immediately when a crisis unfolds.

"If they waited until a disaster happened to try to have everything ready to go, it wouldn't work very well," Johnson explained.

That preparation is what allows relief organizations to respond within hours rather than days. When families need shelter, food, transportation, or cleanup assistance, these nonprofits are often the first organizations on the ground.

Recovery Doesn't End When the Headlines Fade

One of the most important messages from the conversation with Julie was that disaster recovery is a long-term process.

While public attention often focuses on the immediate aftermath of floods, freezes, or severe storms, recovery can take months or even years.In the aftermath of recent Central Texas flooding, the Central Texas Community Foundation distributed more than $3.3 million in direct assistance to affected individuals. For many recipients, those funds helped replace essential belongings, secure short term housing, and helped them start repair work.  And yet so many families impacted by the flooding last July 2025 still need help replacing vehicles, completely rebuilding homes, and restoring financial stability. 

Yet financial recovery is only one piece of the puzzle. As we have seen from the incredible stories coming from Texas Monthly and other outlets, many survivors of last year’s traumatic flooding are facing significant emotional and mental health challenges. Disaster relief organizations often provide counseling, support services, and long-term recovery programs that help individuals and families heal.

Without these nonprofits, many of those needs would simply go unmet.

How You Can Support Disaster Relief Efforts

The good news is that every Central Texan can play a role in strengthening disaster preparedness and recovery.

One key takeaway from the discussion is that support is needed year-round—not just after a disaster occurs. Donations made during calm periods help organizations maintain staff, equipment, training programs, and emergency response systems that can be activated when needed.

Johnson encouraged community members to take time now to use amplifyatx.org research organizations that align with their interests and values.

Whether you choose to give financially, volunteer your time, share information through your networks, or offer professional expertise, every contribution matters.

Here at I Live Here I Give Here, we refer frequently to the "5 Ts" of giving: Time, Treasure, Talent, Testimony, and Ties. The bottom line is that not everyone can give in the same way, but everyone can contribute something.

No matter how you contribute, let’s work together to make sure that the imperative organizations standing up and meeting the immediate crisis needs are ready at all times. 

Unfortunately, in all likelihood Central Texas will not just see a continuation of extreme weather challenges but will face an increase in such events. Supporting disaster relief organizations today means that they are ready the next time our community faces a horrific tragedy like last year’s floods.