News Summary
Asheville’s Mayor Esther Manheimer has reached out to Texas communities impacted by devastating flooding that recently claimed over 100 lives, including numerous children from a summer camp. Sharing her own experience from Hurricane Helene, Manheimer’s outreach aims to provide emotional support and aid. Local nonprofits in Asheville are mobilizing, sending financial donations and essential supplies to those affected in Kerr County and beyond. This collective effort highlights the strong solidarity among communities facing natural disasters.
Asheville, North Carolina – Asheville’s Mayor Esther Manheimer has reached out to Texas communities affected by recent deadly flooding caused by torrential rain on July 3. This unprecedented weather event in the region has claimed over 100 lives, with reports indicating that at least 27 victims were girls from an all-girls Christian summer camp. Manheimer initiated contact with Kerrville’s Mayor Joe Herring to offer her support and to share insights from her own experience with Hurricane Helene, which resulted in 108 deaths in North Carolina on September 27, 2024.
In addition to Kerrville, Manheimer also extended her support to the mayor of Ingram, Texas, as the community grapples with the immense loss and destruction caused by the floods. The heartbreaking news of the summer camp casualties has particularly resonated with people across the nation, underscoring the urgency for aid and assistance in the devastated areas.
Local Nonprofits Mobilizing Support
In response to the flooding, Asheville-based nonprofit Hearts with Hands has sprung into action, coordinating financial donations and supplies for Texas flood victims. A trailer filled with essential supplies is set to depart for Kerrville, aimed at providing immediate relief for those affected. The organization has emphasized the importance of sharing “love and prayers,” drawing from their own experiences with past disasters.
Volunteers from Asheville are undertaking a lengthy 20-hour journey to provide hands-on support in Kerr County. The Asheville community has shown remarkable resilience, with another local nonprofit, Beloved Asheville, having already dispatched five truckloads of supplies to Central Texas since the onset of the flooding. The supplies being sent include food, water, diapers, clothes, and protective gear, all crucial for the recovery efforts.
Community Grief and Recovery
The community of Kerr County is currently engulfed in grief and is facing a growing sense of desperation as rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of the flooding. Various organizations, including the well-known Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, are actively working on the ground to provide not just physical support but also emotional and spiritual care for the flood victims.
In addition to efforts in Texas, local nonprofit organizations have also been busy assisting families affected by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Chantal in Alamance County, North Carolina. This dual effort highlights the ongoing commitment of Western North Carolina communities to support one another during times of crisis.
Multi-Agency Involvement
Multiple organizations are uniting to deliver relief, including those providing hot meals to first responders and victims, such as Mercy Chefs and Operation BBQ Relief. These efforts illustrate the coordinated response necessary to address the complex needs arising from such a devastating event.
Texas also sees involvement from local student advocacy organizations and animal welfare groups, extending support specifically tailored for flood victims and their pets. This comprehensive approach reinforces the interconnectedness of efforts across different communities.
Reflecting on Solidarity
As the Asheville community reflects on its experience with Hurricane Helene, the narrative emphasizes the theme of solidarity and support for neighbors in crisis. The simultaneous campaigns to assist Texas and North Carolina underscore the long-standing tradition of mutual aid that exists among communities affected by natural disasters.
The collaborative efforts among local nonprofits, volunteers, and community members not only provide immediate relief but also foster a deeper connection between Asheville and the affected communities in Texas, highlighting the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. The ongoing situation in Texas continues to be a pressing concern, with support from across the nation demonstrating compassion and resilience in the wake of tragedy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Nonprofits Mobilize for Texas Flood Relief
Historic Flash Flooding in Ruidoso, New Mexico Claims Lives and Causes Destruction
Devastating Floods Hit Central Texas, Claiming Lives
Asheville Teacher Collects Instruments for Students
Severe Storms Leave Heartbreak and Destruction Across Multiple States
Swannanoa Hosts Musical Instrument Giveaway for Storm Victims
Asheville Unites for ‘Fight for the Fallen’ Wrestling Event
Charlotte Delivers Tiny Homes to Flood Victims
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Nonprofit Mobilizes Aid for Texas Flood Victims
- WYFF4: Asheville NC Aid for Catastrophic Flooding in Texas
- WCNC: North Carolina Relief Organization Responds to Texas Flooding
- KXAN: Asheville Group Heads to Texas After Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flood

Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.