Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that more than $2.4 million in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants have been awarded to seven organizations in the El Paso and West Texas regions. The grants, administered by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), are expected to provide services to over 2,160 veterans and their families across 28 counties.

"Texans are forever indebted to our brave veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” said Governor Abbott. "These Fund for Veterans' Assistance grants will provide our nation's heroes and their families access to crucial services such as housing and financial assistance so they can thrive in El Paso and West Texas. Our state will always honor our veterans, their families, and their service to our state and our nation."

TVC Director of Veteran Services Chip Osborne also spoke at the announcement event held at the El Paso County Court House. “I want to sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans,” Osborne said. “Your organizations are recognized for making a difference in the lives of those who served. The West Texas area has a strong military community, and it is home to many veterans. It’s great seeing the community give back to those who served."

The FVA grant recipients include Project Amistad, which received $200,000 for financial assistance and $100,000 for clinical counseling; The Salvation Army - El Paso with $150,000 for homeless veteran support; Child Crisis Center of El Paso with $235,000 for support services; City of El Paso with $120,000 for transportation services; El Paso County with $285,000 for financial assistance and $400,000 for Veterans Treatment Court; Jeff Davis County with $345,000 for financial assistance and $350,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes; and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) El Paso del Norte Region with $250,000 for support services.

Earlier this year in May, Governor Abbott announced a record allocation of $46.3 million through over 200 grants distributed among 175 organizations statewide. These funds are projected to benefit nearly 40,000 veterans as well as their dependents and surviving spouses.

Since its inception in 2009 through the current 2025-2026 grant cycle, more than $359 million has been distributed via over 1,600 FVA grants across Texas.

The FVA program supports various services including emergency financial help, transportation assistance, legal aid, family support programs, home modifications, rental payments, mortgage help, mental health care through Veterans Mental Health Grants or Treatment Courts, housing initiatives under Housing for Texas Heroes grants category as well as work by Veteran County Service Officers.

Funding primarily comes from designated games offered by the Texas Lottery that support veteran causes. Additional funding is provided by voluntary donations during vehicle registration or when purchasing hunting or fishing licenses.

Veterans seeking assistance can locate available resources in their area at tvc.texas.gov/fund.