
A memorial for the Romero family in Kerrville where they were swept away in floods now marks a community command post for cleanup efforts.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — As search and recovery operations continue in Kerr County, so do cleanup efforts for families whose homes were destroyed during the July Fourth floods.
Organizers and volunteers have now come together to help clean up a subdivision where three members of the Romero family died after being swept away during floods.
A memorial sits at 2106 Water Front Drive to remember them.
After the family was swept away, and water receded, a search for the family began.
“The family and neighbors took up the effort to start searching the river for Mr. Leonardo Sr., Natalia and Baby Carlitos,” said Regina Guevara from AmeriCorps.
The memorial has now become a reminder for Guevara, who says there was only one survivor, 19-year-old Leo Jr., who was also swept away.
“He was stuck in rubble, in trash, and that kind of saved his life,” said Guevara.
The family was eventually recovered, and she received her next mission.
“The family member came here and said, ‘Regina go full throttle, clean it up,” said Guevara.
Where the home once sat on Water Front Drive, now marks the Romero Family Community Command Post.
Guevara uses the post to house community donations, and to operate a community-wide cleanup in the subdivision.
Guevara says the trash and debris can represent trauma for survivors.
“If this can just go away and Leo Jr., when he chooses to come here, I think that would bring him more peace, than looking at the war zone, because he had to go through the battle of his life here,” said Guevara.
Guevara says volunteers have come from all over Texas and other states to help. Volunteers like Corrie Rosen, an organizer with The Party for Socialism and Liberation, have joined Guevara.
“We want to be out here shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kerrville, to let them know that there is support,” said Rosen.
Volunteers are assisting families with cleanup in their homes, yards and streets.
Pam Allen, CEO with Eagles’ Flight San Antonio, says some don’t know where to turn.
“Theres a long road to recovery here, and the amount of volunteers that are going to be needed to help with that,” said Allen.
Over the past week, Guevara and other volunteers say they have made an impact in the neighborhood.
“You know people can actually come out of their houses again and are enjoying the neighborhood,” Guevara said. “Last night, we actually had people walking the neighborhood, and they were not walking through trash.”
Guevara says they are still in need of more volunteers, and no registration is need, just show up to 2106 Water Front Drive.
Guevara also says they still need items like humidifiers, purifiers and things like wheelbarrows and chainsaws to help with cleanup efforts.
If you would like to help, you can call or text Guevara, at 210-255-0305.