A devastating flood has left a 94-year-old grandmother and her family grappling with the loss of their cherished home in the Texas Hill Country. Betty Matteson and her family have gathered at their residence, affectionately known as “Casa Del Rio,” since 1968. The house, located near the Guadalupe River, has long served as a backdrop for family celebrations, including weddings and holiday gatherings. However, the recent flooding has transformed this sanctuary into a site of destruction.
On the morning of July 4, 2023, Matteson, along with seven family members and two pets, sought refuge in the attic as the waters from the Guadalupe River surged dangerously close. The river, which had risen to nearly 30 feet, inundated neighborhoods and claimed the lives of more than 120 individuals, including 27 campers from nearby Camp Mystic. After hours spent waiting in fear, Matteson and her family were rescued, but their home was left in ruins.
“Massive piles of debris, trash, and furniture lined the road along the property,” said Shannon Swindle, Matteson’s granddaughter, who has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her grandmother’s recovery efforts. The floodwaters caused extensive damage, and Matteson estimates that it will cost around $500,000 to restore the home, which lacks flood insurance.
The family’s struggle is compounded by the fact that flood insurance can be prohibitively expensive. Swindle noted that maintaining such coverage is “nearly impossible” for many families. Matteson had previously been renting out a cottage on the property to help with housing costs. The financial burden of flood insurance, estimated at $6,000 to $8,000 per year, was beyond her reach.
With deep roots in the area, the family has been part of the community for nearly 100 years, since Matteson’s husband’s parents purchased a neighboring house in 1929. Reflecting on the significance of the property, Matteson expressed, “I’ve just been holding on for dear life because it was just an exceptionally beautiful, calming, peaceful place.”
According to FEMA, only 4% of homes across the United States have flood insurance, and coverage is even lower in high-risk areas. In Kerr County, where the flooding was most severe, only 2% of residents have flood insurance. The US Geological Survey has reported an increase in both the frequency and magnitude of flash flooding in the Guadalupe River basin over the past two decades.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the recent flooding as a 1-in-100-year event, though experts warn that such disasters are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Similar flash flooding has been reported across Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, and New Mexico this month, highlighting a growing trend.
Despite the risks associated with living near the river, Matteson’s family is determined to rebuild their home. Swindle articulated the emotional weight of their decision, stating that saying goodbye to the house filled with memories is “almost not an option.” Barry Adelman, Matteson’s grandson, echoed this sentiment, saying that rebuilding is an essential part of his identity and a way to ensure future generations experience the same joys he did growing up there.
While the family is hopeful for assistance from FEMA, they recognize that any aid is unlikely to cover the full cost of rebuilding. Matteson is currently staying with her daughter as they navigate the financial complexities of the situation. Sherry Matteson, Betty’s daughter, remains optimistic that they will find a way to restore the home, emphasizing the importance of living life without fear.
“You can’t live your life afraid of what might happen,” she said. “You have to live your life the best you can. None of us around here are going to live our life based on fear.”
