Whitley Penn Talks: How the Texas Hill Country Is Rebuilding After Tragedy

Whitley Penn Talks

Whitley Penn Talks
Whitley Penn Talks: How the Texas Hill Country Is Rebuilding After Tragedy
Oct 08, 2026 Whitley Penn

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Isaac Cline, a 19th‑century Galveston meteorologist, is known for saying, “Texas is a land of eternal drought, interrupted occasionally by biblical floods.” In the summer of 2025 and again in 2026, Cline’s proclamation sadly came true as massive, deadly floods struck Kerr County, Kerrville, Uvalde, and many more towns and counties across the Texas Hill Country.  

Once the water receded, the long process of rebuilding began. 

In this episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 2025 and 2026 floods. 

Austin shares how the Community Foundation responded in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the long-term work underway to help families rebuild their homes and lives, and the critical role philanthropy plays in strengthening communities during times of crisis. From housing assistance and mental health support to environmental restoration and community resilience, this conversation highlights the impact of generosity and collaboration across Texas. 

Austin also shares his personal journey into nonprofit leadership, offers practical advice for nonprofit organizations seeking to better communicate their impact, and explains why focusing on results rather than activity is essential for creating lasting change. 

This episode offers an inspiring look at how people can come together to help their communities heal and move forward. 

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