Last week, as tens of thousands of Texans experienced severe flooding, my husband and I were among the millions of people praying for the children at Camp Mystic. Its a tragedy that struck close to home for both of us: I grew up in Seguin, a town near San Antonio that saw less severe flooding. We both studied at Texas universities, all our children were born in Texas,and we still have family in the state.
But even as we were horrified at the tragedies and grieved the loss of life, we were also grateful to read media reports about how corporations, nonprofits, and government entities rose to the occasion to save lives, support families, and rebuild communities.
In the best tradition of the American system, elected officials from coast to coast have put aside partisan politics since the flooding began. President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration in partnership with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to make FEMA funds available. Neighboring states like Louisiana sent specialized rescue equipment and personnel, as did states as far away as Ohio, Virginia, and California. The Mexican city of Acuña also generously provided civil protection and firefighting personnel.
Many corporations, meanwhile, have used their supply chain capabilities to deliver critical supplies and services. For instance, Home Depots team is coordinating with partner charity organizations and making on-the-ground assessments of what resources are needed. Walmart has utilized one of its local branches to provide free hot meals for victims and is partnering with Procter & Gamble to set up mobile laundry units and shower facilities.
Some companies arent putting boots on the ground but are still making a critical difference. Elon Musks Starlink satellite system is providing a month of free connectivity to those affected by the flooding, and Airbnbs app allows victims to crowd-source free temporary housing at the companys expense.
Corporations are also supplementing the tremendous resources being provided by nonprofits. CVS Caremark is partnering with healthcare nonprofit TeamCare to ensure flood victims who need prescription drugs receive them. Home Depot has committed $250,000, Walmart is matching $250,000 of employee and customer donations, and Toyota has pledged over $600,000, including financial relief for affected customers. Bank of America committed a combined $1 million to the American Red Cross, Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, and other organizations.
That money is being well used, as the Red Cross and The Salvation Army establish command posts in the middle of the disaster zone. Veteran-led Team Rubicon has sent teams to muck houses, clear roadways, and remove debris. And local churches and nonprofits across the country are coordinating everyday Americans financial, food, and time donations.
Social media and click-bait headlines often make it seem like the United States is too politically and culturally divided to unite around common humanity. But when California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, learned of the disaster, he sent support to a conservative state without hesitation. And when Texas Republican governor was asked whos to blame for the floods, he said he was focused on saving lives.
We plan to retire in Texas by 2027, enjoying our golden years in the same state in which I spent my youth. Were excited to be closer to my family – and encouraged to be moving back to a state that has been supported not just by local communities and state officials, but by the entire country and beyond.
Raised in Texas, Marie Hill spent the first half of her life living in the state. She earned a Master’s Degree of Public Affairs from The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas-Austin.
