How H E B Became “Texas’s FEMA” After the Hill Country Floods

When disaster strikes, Texans stand together. But during the devastating July 2025 floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country, it wasn’t just first responders or government agencies answering the call. It was H‑E‑B, our own homegrown grocery chain, sending a powerful message: Texans take care of their own.

In moments like these, it’s clear why many call H‑E‑B “Texas’s FEMA.”

🚨 H‑E‑B’s Rapid Response: A Convoy of Hope

The flash floods that struck Kerrville, Marble Falls, San Angelo, and Ingram left communities struggling to access basic necessities. Within hours, H‑E‑B activated its disaster response team, dispatching a fleet of 18-wheelers marked “Disaster Relief” straight to the heart of the impacted areas.

The convoy wasn’t just symbolic. It delivered thousands of meals, bottled water, cleaning supplies, and essential household goods directly to families in need. Volunteers and H‑E‑B partners set up mobile kitchens in Ingram, ensuring hot meals were available even as roads and power lines were down.

A viral TikTok video of the convoy has already racked up over 500,000 views, showing Texans across the state just how seriously H‑E‑B takes its commitment to the communities it serves.

🌳 Back to Their Hill Country Roots

This response wasn’t a PR stunt, it was personal. H‑E‑B’s story began in 1905 when Florence Thornton Butt opened a small grocery store in Kerrville. Her son, Howard Butt, expanded the business across Texas, never forgetting the Hill Country communities where it all started.

Today, more than 120 years later, H‑E‑B’s immediate and heartfelt response to the Hill Country floods reflects that deep bond with their roots. When your hometown suffers, you step up and H‑E‑B’s leadership did exactly that.

🛡️ A Proven Record of Relief

This isn’t the first time H‑E‑B has gone above and beyond in a crisis. During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, they donated more than $6 million in relief aid, including 60,000 hot meals and 150,000 cases of bottled water. Over the years, they’ve helped Texans recover from wildfires, ice storms, hurricanes, and now, catastrophic flooding.

H‑E‑B’s pattern of showing up in emergencies has made them a trusted partner for disaster recovery, so much so that many Texans now see H‑E‑B as an unofficial emergency management agency.

🏠 Why This Matters for Hill Country Homebuyers and Sellers

As a realtor helping clients in San Antonio and the Hill Country, I believe understanding community resilience is key to making smart real estate decisions. Here’s why H‑E‑B’s actions are so important for homeowners:

✅ Stability for Property Values: Swift relief reduces long-term damage, helping neighborhoods recover faster and protecting home equity.

✅ Peace of Mind for Buyers: Knowing that a strong, reliable company like H‑E‑B will support the community in a disaster makes families feel safer investing in Hill Country properties.

✅ Pride of Place: Texans love where they live and businesses like H‑E‑B reinforce that loyalty by showing up when it matters most.

📣 How You Can Help

Want to join H‑E‑B in supporting flood victims? Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Donate directly to local organizations like the Texas Disaster Relief Fund
• Volunteer with the American Red Cross or regional food banks
• Shop at H‑E‑B, which often matches customer donations during disasters

🔗 Ready to Make the Hill Country Your Home?

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Kerrville, Ingram, Marble Falls, or anywhere in the Hill Country, let’s connect. I’m Kristen Smith, Realtor, San Antonio’s Veteran Realtor, and I’m passionate about helping families find homes in communities that stand together in good times and bad.

Contact me today to start your journey.