On Thursday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that over $4.3 million in grants from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) were awarded to 14 veteran service organizations in South Texas, Coastal Bend, and the Harlingen area. As reported by the Governor's official website, these grants aim to bolster services for veterans and their families, estimated to reach over 2,170 individuals in 19 counties.
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, “For the brave men and women who secured our nation and defended our freedoms, Texas is forever grateful,” Governor Abbott said, highlighting the state's acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by these individuals. The Governor's statement emphasizes Texas' commitment to aid veterans through investment in supportive programs and close-to-home help. Meanwhile, TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner expressed her pride in the courage and honor of the area's veterans, and she discussed the transformative potential of the grants during the presentation at the Harlingen Convention Center, as mentioned on Governor Abbott's news post.
The awarded grants include financial assistance, housing support, and counseling services, to name a few. Organizations like City of Harlingen received significant funds, with $400,000 earmarked for financial aid and an additional $500,000 for the Housing for Texas Heroes program. Other recipients included counties such as Cameron and Webb, as well as non-profits like The Salvation Army - Corpus Christi and CPLC Texas, each catering to specific needs within the veteran community. A comprehensive list of grant recipients and their respective services can be found on the aforementioned news post.
This announcement follows a record-breaking declaration made in May, bringing the total to more than $359 million in funding since 2009. The services supported by these grants span a wide variety, helping with everything from emergency financial assistance to home modifications. Importantly, these funds are primarily sourced through Texas Lottery games dedicated to veteran support, supplemented by donations from vehicle registrations and licenses for hunting or fishing. Veterans in need of assistance are encouraged to locate helping organizations in their area through the TVC's website.
