Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that 38 veteran service organizations across Southeast Texas will receive more than $7.9 million in state grants.
The funding will provide services to over 5,200 veterans and their families across 13 counties.
“In Texas, we will always stand with the brave men and women who selflessly fought for the freedom and liberties we enjoy today,” Abbott said in a news release. “This over $7.9 million in grants will provide crucial services and financial support for our veterans and their families in the Gulf Coast and Houston so they can lead successful lives in our great state.”
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) administers the Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants as part of its statewide tour. Commissioner Kevin Barber, a TVC vice chair and Army veteran, presented the awards at Easter Seals of Greater Houston.
“The Gulf Coast is home to one of the highest concentrations of veterans not only in Texas, but the country, and it is our responsibility as their state advocates to link them to local resources,” Barber said. “I sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans.”
Major recipients include Harris County, which received $695,000 for financial assistance and peer support services. The United States Veterans Initiative secured $650,000 for financial assistance and clinical counseling programs.
Several organizations received $350,000 each, including Family Service Center of Houston, Houston Habitat for Humanity, and the PTSD Foundation of America. The grants fund services ranging from emergency aid to legal help and mental health counseling.
Fort Bend County will use its $200,000 allocation for counseling and financial assistance. Montgomery County received $305,000 to support its Veterans Treatment Court and provide direct financial aid to veterans.
Since May, Texas has distributed a record $46.3 million through more than 200 grants to 175 organizations. These programs are projected to serve nearly 40,000 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses.
The FVA program has awarded more than $359 million through over 1,600 grants since 2009. Funding comes from Texas Lottery games dedicated to veteran support, along with donations from vehicle registrations and hunting and fishing licenses.
Veterans seeking assistance can find local organizations and contact information at tvc.texas.gov/fund. The grants support five categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.