Love in Action

Liberty Hill Community Steps Up Following Flood

by Charlotte Kovalchuk

In the aftermath of the Central Texas flooding over the Fourth of July weekend, it wasn’t long before neighbors began stepping up. Among the first to jump into action were Liberty Hill ISD students, teachers, and staff, who fanned out across the community to lend a hand.

While school buildings were spared from damage, many students and staff weren’t as fortunate. “Several of our families were affected,” Interim Superintendent Travis Motal says. “Our students and staff volunteered to help out their friends and neighbors.”

Beyond individual efforts, LHISD partnered with the city and county to open school facilities as storage and distribution centers for food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. “Seeing everyone jump in without any hesitancy to help each other out is what LHISD is all about—building champions in academics, character, and community,” Travis says.

Heart Of Liberty Hill

Katie Amsler, the city’s communications director, described the early response as nothing short of overwhelming. “From the moment the floodwaters receded, our phones and inboxes were flooded with people asking how they could help,” she shares. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it—neighbors checking on neighbors, volunteers showing up before we even had an organized plan, and people just stepping into action. In the middle of so much devastation, what stood out was the heart of this community. The love, generosity, and willingness to serve others has been nothing short of inspiring.”

In response, the city quickly launched a website where residents could sign up to either request help or volunteer. This grassroots movement helped lay the groundwork for larger support efforts, including the Austin Disaster Re- lief Network’s involvement. A major hub of the recovery was a community supply center launched by Cross Tracks Church and a dedicated team of volunteers. Meanwhile, local businesses provided meals, churches sent volunteer teams, and residents donated everything from bedding to boots. “The clean-up process is ongoing, but it has been powered by an army of volunteers and fueled by compassion,” Katie says.

While the city can coordinate logistics, the real impact, she adds, comes from the people—neighbors, churches, businesses, and volunteers—who stepped up without being asked. “This response has reaffirmed what we already knew—that Liberty Hill is resilient, united, and full of heart. We are proud to serve a community that shows up when it matters most.”

As of now, the City of Liberty Hill has received more than enough donations and is no longer accepting additional items. However, if you or someone you know needs assistance—or if you would like to volunteer—please visit experiencelhtx.com/flood-disaster-relief for the most up-to-date resources and opportunities to help.