Devastating flash floods swept across Central Texas, particularly impacting Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country. More than a hundred lives were lost and many remain unaccounted for. In the aftermath, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and partner organizations are stepping up to ensure Veterans and their families receive the help they deserve.
VA Disaster Resources Tailored for Veterans
Free & confidential 24/7 crisish support is available via the Veterans Crisis Line:
- Dial 988 then Press 1
- Send a text to 838255
- Chat Online
- Support for deaf and hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4889
- For housing needs, Veterans can contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1‑877‑4AID‑VETS (1‑877‑424‑3838). Case managers can help connect Veterans relocating to shelters or recovery centers with benefits and care.
- Financial hardships due to disaster-related VA debts may qualify for relief measures.
Housing Assistance
If you or a Veteran you know needs immediate housing assistance in the aftermath of a natural disaster, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, available 24/7: 1-877-4AID VETS (1-877-424-3838).
If you’ve relocated to a shelter or a disaster recovery center, a VA team may already be deployed to connect you with the health care and benefits you need. If housing assistance is required, you’ll be assigned a case manager.
- Learn more about Disaster Recovery Centers on the FEMA website.
- If you have a VA loan and your home was affected, review the VA Guidance on Natural Disasters.
VA Contact Information
- MyVA411 main line (24/7): 1-800-698-2411
- Ask VA: https://ask.va.gov/
Health Care Support
If you’re enrolled in VA health care and have been impacted:
- The VA may already be reaching out to support you.
- If not, contact your nearest VA medical center and speak with the patient advocate team.
- Use the Find VA Locations tool to locate nearby services.
Emergency measures include:
- Emergency pharmacy services via mobile units within hours of a disaster.
- Support for prescription delivery and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks).
- Mobile clinics, home health teams, and community care providers help maintain access to medical needs.
- Public Contact Teams may be stationed at local shelters or Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs).
For direct support:
- VA Health Benefits Hotline: 1-877-222-8387 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET)
- Use My HealtheVet for non-urgent/emergency tasks like appointment scheduling, prescription refills, and accessing medical records.
Caregivers:
- Contact your local facility or the Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
- Use the Caregiver Toolkit for disaster planning and response.
CHAMPVA Beneficiaries:
- Meds by Mail medications can be refilled at local pharmacies during an emergency.
- Durable medical equipment may be covered if impacted by a disaster.
Benefits and Compensation
If you’re experiencing financial or service interruptions:
- Missed a benefit payment? Call the VA National Call Center: 1-800-827-1000 to inquire about special one-time payments.
- VA Home Loans: Encourages servicers to pause foreclosures for 90 days and waive late charges.
Learn more - Education Benefits: If your school closes temporarily due to a disaster, payments may continue.
Call GI Bill specialists: 1-888-442-4551 - Employment Services: Displaced Veterans may qualify for two more months of Employee Adjustment Allowance (EAA).
- VA Regional Office Contact: Speak with a Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Specialist.
- Specially Adapted Housing (SAH): May provide funding for home repairs post-disaster.
Call: 1-877-827-3702 - Adaptable Vehicle Loss: VA may help cover losses after insurance. Call: 1-800-827-1000
CHAMPVA Beneficiaries:
- Natural disaster-related mail delays will not result in penalties.
- Submit claims and paperwork via your VA.gov account.
VA Life Insurance Services
- Same-day processing for:
- Policy loans
- Dividend account withdrawals
- Claims on deceased insured persons
- OSGLI follows state disaster alerts, often pausing policy lapses and extending grace periods.
Contact:
- VA Life Insurance: 800-669-8477 (8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET)
- OSGLI: 800-419-1473 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET)
- Email: osgli.osgli@prudential.com
Fraud Awareness
Disasters often invite scams targeting Veterans:
- Beware of imposter charities, fake emergency loans, and fraudulent responders.
- If you suspect fraud, contact: 1-833-388-7233 (24/7)
Federal & State Assistance in Texas
- FEMA assistance is available for residents in six affected counties including Kerr, Travis, Williamson, and others. Aid caps are around $87,200 per household, covering housing, vehicle replacement, medical/funeral costs, etc.
- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission offers replacement benefits, crisis counseling, and mental health resources.
- Disaster Recovery Centers, such as one now open in Kerrville at First Baptist Church, provide streamlined access to FEMA, SBA, and VA assistance services.
At Henry’s Home Horse & Human Sanctuary, we’re committed to being a haven of stability, care, and hope—bridging Veterans to vital resources and healing spaces. Together, we can ensure no Veteran faces this recovery alone.
