Tree-lined neighborhoods across North Texas now carry a little extra greenery with ribbons placed in memory of the victims of the July Fourth flash flood in Central Texas, and as a visual show of support for grieving families and friends.
In early July, devastating flash floods swept through the Texas Hill Country, claiming at least 135 lives, including young campers at Camp Mystic, and leaving families across the state reeling from grief and trauma. Even those far from the disaster zone, including in North Texas, have felt the ripple effects of the tragedy.
In response, Grant Halliburton Foundation quickly mobilized to support young people, families and school communities impacted by the floods. Over the July Fourth holiday weekend, Foundation staff began assembling a library of trauma and grief resources tailored for parents, caregivers and educators.
Within days, the Foundation launched an online resource hub at GrantHalliburton.org/traumaandloss, offering practical tools for discussing loss with children, recognizing signs of trauma in youth, and finding professional mental health support. All materials were made available in English and Spanish and were also shared through HereForTexas.com, the Foundation’s searchable database of mental health resources in Texas.
To help meet the increased need for mental health services, the Foundation activated its Here For Texas provider network, which includes more than 1,000 licensed professionals across the state. Many providers volunteered to offer counseling at no cost or reduced rates to those directly affected by the flood. The list of participating providers was distributed to the Foundation’s school partners, including campuses that lost students in the flood.
“In moments like these, we’re reminded that even in the darkest times, community has the power to carry us forward,” Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation, said. “We’re here for every Texan navigating this tragedy, and we’ll be here in the days and weeks ahead. Our goal is to make sure young people and their families have the tools, care and support they need to begin healing.”
All resources developed in response of the Guadalupe River flood are now being compiled into a permanent Trauma Crisis Toolkit, which the Foundation plans to utilize in future large-scale crises, including natural disasters and incidents of community violence.
Families in need of support can contact the free Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line at 972-525-8181, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or visit HereForTexas.com.