The Texas Panhandle Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is encouraging individuals and families affected by the May 2026 wildfires to contact recovery officials before July 1 to request assistance and connect with available recovery resources.
Texas Panhandle VOAD has been coordinating a regional recovery effort involving nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, local governments, state agencies, and volunteers to help wildfire survivors begin the recovery process and rebuild their lives.
Since recovery operations began, officials report that 41 assistance requests have been entered into the disaster recovery system, with all 41 work orders assigned to recovery partners. In addition, 40 households have been connected to disaster case management services, and 21 homeowners have been temporarily rehoused while pursuing long-term housing solutions.
Recovery leaders say the response effort has brought together a wide range of partners to provide emergency relief, emotional support, housing assistance, cleanup services, household supplies, and long-term recovery planning. While significant progress has been made, officials emphasize that many survivors still need assistance and that recovery work remains ongoing.
Eligible wildfire survivors may still qualify for a variety of services, including relocation assistance for renters seeking new housing, disaster case management, evaluations for potential rebuilding assistance, and short-term housing support while long-term recovery plans are developed.
Additional resources may include replacement clothing and household furnishings, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, mental health and emotional support services, food assistance, utility reconnection assistance, debris cleanup coordination, and help restoring water systems and other essential services.
Officials stress that survivors must contact Texas Panhandle VOAD directly to receive assistance. Requests must be submitted by the survivor or property occupant, unless another individual has been specifically authorized to act on the survivor’s behalf. Requests submitted by family members, neighbors, friends, or other concerned individuals without authorization cannot be processed.
The organization also emphasized its commitment to protecting survivor privacy. Information about affected households and individuals receiving assistance will remain confidential and will only be shared with partner organizations when necessary to coordinate recovery services.
Eligibility for assistance is based on verification that a survivor’s primary residence was impacted by the May 2026 wildfires. Recovery efforts are focused on restoring safe and habitable living conditions for affected households and generally apply to primary residences and household recovery needs.
While assistance typically does not cover detached outbuildings, vehicles, equipment, or similar property losses, survivors experiencing agricultural losses—including fencing damage, livestock-related needs, or losses involving agricultural supplies—may be referred to specialized partner organizations that could provide support.
Texas Panhandle VOAD is urging anyone affected by the May wildfires who has not yet connected with recovery services to reach out as soon as possible before the July 1 assistance deadline.
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