Thomas Monahan, Executive Director of the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T), is encouraging residents of Blanco, Caldwell, Guadalupe and Hays Counties to step up and help the recovery effort by volunteering to serve on one of several committees formed to help survivors of the 2015 floods rebuild their homes and lives.

“Our committees play a key role in making the recovery effort run smoothly, and in reality it will take only a small time commitment for you to make an impact,” Monahan said. “Most committees meet only twice a month, and much of the work is done by phone or email.”

Volunteer Committee members work with the Committee Chair to recruit volunteers and locate and assign housing for the volunteers who come to our area to help rebuild houses for flood survivors.

Donations/Fundraising committee members assist with researching grant opportunities, writing grants and developing fundraising activities and events.

Construction committee members help with scheduling the volunteers who rebuild homes and will spend a few hours each week visiting construction sites to check on worker needs and progress.

Case Management is crucial to ensuring that those with flood-related needs get the help they need to rebuild their lives. Committee members work directly with flood survivors to help evaluate their needs and refer them to the necessary resources.

Volunteers must complete a three-day training course and commit to working 10 hours per week with flood survivors as well as attend two meetings per month. Volunteers with the Public Information Committee work with all committee chairs to help publicize needs and events, answer media questions, and write press releases and social media posts.

The BR3T office staff is available to answer any questions you have about serving on any of the committees. Call 512-677-9701 during business hours or email BlancoRiverRegional@gmail.com.