The deadly Iconic Apartment fire on July 20, 2018 moved the entire San Marcos community to action; they responded with an outpouring of support. BR3T accepted over $63,000 in donations. From these generous donations, BR3T distributed every dollar back to the families, to those injured, and to those with unmet needs. BR3T was able to provide support, limited case management, and referrals to the residents and families.

Thomas Monahan, Executive Director of the Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T), is reminding all survivors of the May and October 2015 floods in Hays, Blanco, Caldwell, and Guadalupe counties that help is still available if they have flood-related needs that were not taken care of by other means. “Even with federal and nonprofit assistance to homeowners and renters, there are still some survivors who need help rebuilding homes and furnishing them,” Monahan said. “The BR3T has a program in place to help those without other resources rebuild their lives.”

Family Endeavors, a national, nonprofit agency with a staff now located in Central Texas, is assisting the BR3T with case management in the four-county BR3T area. By calling 512-842-9008 a flood survivor can make an appointment to have a Family Endeavors staff member visit and discuss your needs. “If you are living in a damaged home, or can’t move back into your home because of damage, or if you need furnishings for your home because of flood damage, I encourage you to call,” Monahan said.

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.

The Blanco River Regional Recovery Team is celebrating National Preparedness Month by introducing a new program “Prepare in a Year”. This program breaks the concept and process of personal preparedness into 52 weekly steps that individuals can take to become better prepared for disaster. This program walks participants through the process of developing a family preparedness plan, building a disaster kit, understanding disaster safety and first aid, training and integration of individual plans into improving overall community preparedness. It is loosely based off a concept developed in the Northwest, but is specifically adapted to the risk and challenges of Central Texas.

Each week, a preparedness message will be released on its weekly newsletter and can be followed at https://prepare365.blogspot.com/. For more information, contact Richard Hildreth, BR3T’s Communications VISTA at Richbr3T@aol.com or 253-347-8514

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.