San Antonio Facebook group uses 224,000 members to organize flood aid

A San Antonio Facebook group with more than 224,000 members recently coordinated assistance for flood victims on the city's Southwest Side. The platform, known as "210 La Chismosa," was created by Cecilia Chavez. It has evolved from a space for casual conversation into a tool for sharing information and supporting residents in crisis.

Chavez described the group's growth in an interview on the digital talk show "Pickup Lines." She explained that the page originated during the coronavirus pandemic. She posted a video of a Zoom call with her mother and aunt where the three women discussed local news. The video gained rapid traction. "COVID hit and social media was really big. So I uploaded a Zoom meeting between me, my mom and my aunt and we were all gossiping and it just took off," Chavez said.

The group now requires constant management. Chavez noted that the community generates continuous activity. "You wake up to it, you go to sleep to it," she said. The platform reflects her background in San Antonio's South and West sides. She grew up surrounded by strong Latina women. A childhood case of measles left her with hearing loss in one ear. Later, a dispute over her son's high school football eligibility led the family to relocate to a Native American reservation in Nevada. The move allowed her sons to play the sport, and one received a scholarship.

Chavez said her motivation for running the group deepened after a family tragedy. Her son, Jose, died in a motorcycle crash in 2024. She credits the online community with providing a sense of purpose after his death. "It filled a void. It did. It definitely did," she stated. "I want to help. I want to be there for people."

The group recently directed resources toward residents affected by flooding on the Southwest Side. Chavez stated she values her independence and often turns down sponsorship offers. She aims to use the platform's reach to address local needs directly.

The host of "Pickup Lines," Ernie Zuniga of KSAT, records the show from his vehicle. The program features guests from various backgrounds, including business owners and community figures. Chavez is the latest participant in that series.

Chavez plans to open a community resource center in the future. The project will serve as a physical extension of the online support she currently provides. The group continues to operate with its current membership base.