Governor Greg Abbott has announced that more than $7.9 million in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants have been awarded to 38 organizations serving the Gulf Coast and Houston area. The funding, managed by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), is expected to help 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,” said Governor Abbott. “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. Texas will never forget our veterans, their families, and their service to our state and our country.”
Kevin Barber, TVC Vice Chair and Army veteran, emphasized the region’s large veteran population. “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,” he said. “I sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans. Your organizations are recognized for making a difference in the lives of those who served.”
Barber presented grant awards at Easter Seals of Greater Houston. The recipients include a variety of groups providing services such as financial assistance, peer support, clinical counseling, legal aid, housing help through Housing for Texas Heroes programs, skill-based training support, homeless veteran support, family counseling services, mental health care through Veterans Treatment Courts initiatives, as well as transportation or rental assistance.
Some specific grant allocations are: Family Service Center of Houston and Harris County received $350,000 for financial assistance; Harris County was awarded $400,000 for financial assistance along with $295,000 for peer support; Lone Star Legal Aid received $350,000 for pro bono legal work; PTSD Foundation of America secured $350,000 toward clinical counseling; Rebuilding Together Houston got $350,000 under Housing for Texas Heroes; United States Veterans Initiative was allocated a combined total of $650,000 split between financial assistance and clinical counseling.
In May 2025 Governor Abbott previously announced record FVA funding totaling $46.3 million across more than 200 grants benefiting approximately 40,000 veterans statewide—demonstrating continued growth in state-supported veteran services (https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-record-46-million-in-grants-to-support-texas-veterans).
Since its inception in 2009 through this current cycle (2025–2026), over $359 million has been distributed via more than 1,600 FVA grants throughout Texas.
These funds assist with emergency needs like transportation or housing modification as well as broader supports including legal aid or family services. TVC issues these awards across five main categories: General Assistance; Housing for Texas Heroes; Veterans Mental Health Grants; Veterans Treatment Courts; Veteran County Service Officers.
Funding sources primarily come from dedicated games run by the Texas Lottery that benefit veterans’ causes. Additional contributions are made possible when Texans register vehicles or obtain hunting/fishing licenses.
Veterans seeking information about available services can find resources at tvc.texas.gov/fund.
