In a recent announcement, Governor Greg Abbott has reported that Panhandle veteran service organizations will receive more than $2.7 million in grants, sourced from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), as part of their Grants Across Texas initiative, will distribute these funds to eight different organizations with the aim of serving over a thousand veterans and family members across 60 counties, according to the Office of the Texas Governor.
"Texas will always honor the sacrifices made by veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve," Abbott stated in a statement by the Office of the Texas Governor, underscoring the grants' goal to provide essential resources such as clinical counseling, home modifications, and financial aid to veterans and their families. Chuck Wright, TVC Commissioner and Marine veteran, highlighted the importance of these resources, especially for veterans residing in the Panhandle’s rural areas, who face greater challenges in accessibility.
Commissioner Wright presented the grants at a fifth stop in Lubbock at Refuge Services, signaling the continued statewide effort with presentations set to conclude in early October. Among the benefits distributed, the Cornerstone Community Action Agency will manage a $300,000 grant for financial assistance and a $495,000 grant for home modifications, while the Salvation Army – Amarillo has been designated a $105,000 grant to support homeless veterans.
Back in May, Abbott announced a total of 181 grants, reaching upwards of $44 million to aid 161 organizations throughout Texas. These grants have been forecasted to directly assist over 42,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses, with services ranging from emergency financial assistance to housing, and from transportation to family support. Since 2009, the FVA has allocated more than $313 million via 1,400 grants, with funding coming primarily from the Texas Lottery Commission's veteran-designated games and various state licensing and registration fees dedicated to veteran support.
For veterans seeking help, the Texas Veterans Commission provides accessible information on the organizations offering services and the processes to obtain them. More details and contact information for the relevant organizations can be found on the TVC’s official website.
