More than $4.3 million in grants have been awarded to 14 veteran service organizations in South Texas, the Coastal Bend, and Harlingen areas, according to an announcement from Governor Greg Abbott. The grants are part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Grants Across Texas program and will support services for over 2,170 veterans and their families across 19 counties.
Governor Abbott stated, “For the brave men and women who secured our nation and defended our freedoms, Texas is forever grateful. By investing in these 14 organizations and awarding more than $4.3 million in grant funding, Texas continues to strengthen our support and assistance programs for veterans and ensure that when they or their families face challenges, help is close to home. We stand shoulder to shoulder with every veteran in Texas.”
Laura Koerner, TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran, said: “From the Rio Grande Valley to communities across South Texas, our veterans have always stepped forward with courage and honor. With these FVA grants awarded, veterans and their families in Harlingen and across the region will receive the support they need, whether it’s housing, financial aid, or counseling. TVC is honored to partner with outstanding community organizations who transform these funds into life-changing impact for veterans.”
The grants were presented at a ceremony at the Harlingen Convention Center by Chairwoman Koerner. The recipients include:
– Cameron County: $300,000 for financial assistance
– City of Harlingen: $400,000 for financial assistance; $500,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
– Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coastal Bend: $200,000 for financial assistance
– CPLC Texas: $50,000 for peer support services
– Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity: $300,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
– Goodwill Industries of South Texas: $125,000 for skill-based training support
– Hidalgo County: $300,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes; $300,000 for peer support services
– Hidalgo County Community Action Agency: $150,000 for financial assistance
– Nueces County: $150,000 for financial assistance; $200,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
– San Patricio County: $100,000 for financial assistance
– The Salvation Army – Corpus Christi: $200,000 for financial assistance
– Webb County: $100,000 for transportation services; $200,000 for Veterans Treatment Court
– Willacy County: $150,000 for financial assistance
– Zapata County: $200,000 for financial assistance; $400,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes
Earlier this year in May,Governor Abbott announced a record-breaking total of more than 200 grants worth approximately $46.3 million to 175 organizations statewide—an effort projected to reach nearly 40,000 veterans as well as their dependents and surviving spouses.
Since its inception in 2009 through the current grant cycle (2025–2026), over 1,600 Fund For Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants totaling more than $359 million have been distributed.
The TVC awards grants covering general assistance such as emergency aid or transportation services as well as housing improvements through programs like Housing For Texas Heroes. Other categories include mental health care specifically tailored toward veterans’ needs along with legal aid or court-related help via Veterans Treatment Courts.
Funding comes primarily from designated games run by the Texas Lottery, but residents can also contribute during vehicle registration or when obtaining hunting or fishing licenses.
Veterans seeking local resources can find information about available organizations at https://tvc.texas.gov/fund.
