‘It’s devastation’: Travis County launches partnership to support flood victims

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas — When Harry Sherwood evacuated his home along Big Sandy Creek around 2 a.m. on July 5, floodwater was already waist-deep.

“If I waited another hour, I would be dead,” he said.

Sherwood has lived in that home since 2003. He and his roommate made it out safely, but his house and nearly everything inside were destroyed.

“It’s devastation. Everything in there is gone: couch, stereos, TVs, kitchen appliances. Just everything,” Sherwood said. “I had a nice home. I don’t anymore. I have to start from scratch.”

Sherwood, who has flood insurance, launched a GoFundMe to help him rebuild. 

County launches flood victim fund

On Tuesday, the Travis County Commissioners Court approved a formal agreement with the Central Texas Community Foundation to manage the Travis County Cares Fund, which will assist residents like Sherwood with recovery. Another one has already been established for flood victims in Williamson County.

“Travis County CARES will help affected community members and families get back on their feet and allow them to focus their efforts on personal healing,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said in a press release.

“The road to full recovery will be long, but with partners like the Central Texas Community Foundation, we can make this road a little easier for those who need the help. I thank everyone at Central Texas Community Foundation for their partnership and the people who are generously donating to this worthy cause,” he continued.

CTXCF said it is already accepting applications from flood victims – both those with and without insurance – through its website, where community members can also donate. All funds will go directly to affected residents.

“There are so many needs right now, and there are a number of organizations that are stepping in and doing incredible work to meet those immediate needs right now,” said Julie Johnson, the associate director at CTXCF.

“When individuals get a few weeks down the road, what they’re going to need the most, honestly, is cash,” Johnson continued. “We want to be able to just step into that gap and help those neighbors in need.