Contributed by Krissie Zeveckas
In the wake of the devastating Texas floods that ravaged Kerr County and parts of the Texas Hill Country in July, the Paloma Lake community and FirstService Residential sprang into action to help. While none of our residents or communities sustained direct damage, we understand tragedy doesn’t recognize property lines. In moments like these, we are all neighbors. When fellow Texans suffer, standing by is simply not an option.
Over a rapid three-day period, FirstService Residential teams across Texas in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio mobilized a coordinated relief effort. Leadership reached out to the Red Cross and Salvation Army and obtained lists of urgently needed items. From non-perishables to diapers, cleaning supplies to gift cards, residents responded with overwhelming generosity.
At Paloma Lake alone, residents filled two SUVs with donations. These contributions were delivered to the corporate office in Austin and a dedicated team drove across Texas gathering additional aid and distributing items to donation centers. In total, two box trucks full of urgently needed items were collected for flood victims.
Due to the speed and evolving nature of the crisis, we were unable to formally coordinate with Texas CAI chapters. Despite this, our internal network of communities and leadership team responded with extraordinary flexibility and focus. The shared sense of purpose was palpable.
Additionally, FirstService extended financial assistance to associates in Central Texas who may face hardship after the natural disaster through the FirstService Relief Fund. This fund relies primarily on individual donations from team members companywide.
Residents continue to contribute through individual charities to keep the momentum alive following the Texas floods. Emotionally, this mobilization was deeply moving and residents shared stories of connection, empathy, and a collective desire to lift others up. We realized that helping others is empowering. It restores hope to those in need and to those giving. The experience instilled confidence that when disaster strikes, our community will rise, respond, care, and act as one.
To boards and managers facing similar situations, lean into the strength of your community. Coordinate swiftly, communicate transparently, and honor the goodwill your residents are so willing to share. You’ll be amazed at what people can do when they feel inspired, connected, and supported.
Together, we proved the spirit of Texas is more than just resilience, it’s about heart.
Krissie Zeveckas is senior facility administrator at the Paloma Lake Master Community in Round Rock, Texas.
> See CAI’s statement and resources on the recent Texas floods.
FirstService Residential Team
FirstService Residential Team
Donation center
Paloma Lake Team
