Help Us Rebuild What the River Took From Our Grandmother

Help Us Rebuild What the River Took From Our Grandmother

My name is Shannon Swindle, and I’m one of Betty Matteson’s granddaughters. I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of my family to support my grandmother after the devastating flood that struck Hunt, Texas on July 4.

Early that morning, our family experienced one of the worst floods in Hunt’s history. My grandmother, Betty Matteson, lives right on the bank of the Guadalupe River in a home she and my grandfather bought decades ago in Hunt, Texas. She’s lived there ever since.

She is 94 years old. When the water started rising, she and seven of our family members had to take shelter in the attic. The water rose all the way to the top step. The basement and main floor were completely flooded. Guests staying in the nearby cottage had to climb onto the roof. All six cars on the property were swept away.

That cottage was my grandmother’s only source of income. Now it’s damaged beyond use, and her home is unlivable. There is no flood insurance. For many people living along the riverbank, flood insurance has become nearly impossible to afford. The cost is incredibly high because of repeated flooding in the area, and most families just cannot keep up with the premiums.

While we’re doing everything we can to help my grandmother rebuild, we’re also holding space for the immense grief felt throughout the community. The loss in Hunt and the surrounding area has been devastating. Friends, neighbors, and children from nearby camps did not make it out.

My grandmother, my brother, my sister-in-law, my niece, my great-nephew, my cousin, our family friend, two cats, and two dogs all survived. They walked away from something unimaginable. We share this fundraiser not to take focus away from the pain others are carrying, but because those who are still here now face the long and difficult road of starting over.

We need help. All kinds of help. Financial support, supplies, clean-up help, or even just sharing this story with others who might be able to give.

Every donation will go directly to my grandmother to help with temporary housing, essentials, clean-up, and eventually rebuilding. If you’re not in a place to give, your prayers and shares mean more than we can express.

Thank you for helping us support her during this heartbreaking time.

With love and gratitude,

Shannon Swindle and family