Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that over $4.3 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants have been awarded to 14 organizations serving veterans in South Texas, the Coastal Bend, and Harlingen areas. The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) administers these grants, which are expected to support more than 2,170 veterans and their families across 19 counties.

“For the brave men and women who secured our nation and defended our freedoms, Texas is forever grateful,” said Governor Abbott. “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.”

“From the Rio Grande Valley to communities across South Texas, our veterans have always stepped forward with courage and honor,” said TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran Laura Koerner. “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 the Harlingen Convention Center by Chairwoman Koerner. Recipients include a range of local governments and nonprofit groups offering services such as financial assistance, housing programs like Housing for Texas Heroes, peer support services, skill-based training support through Goodwill Industries of South Texas, transportation services provided by Webb County, as well as specialized courts for veterans.

Some notable awards include $400,000 to the City of Harlingen for financial assistance along with an additional $500,000 for its housing initiative; Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity receiving $300,000; Nueces County being granted funds both for direct assistance ($150,000) and its Veterans Treatment Court ($200,000); Zapata County getting a total of $600,000 split between emergency aid and housing efforts.

Earlier this year in May 2025,Governor Abbott announced a record allocation of $46.3 million distributed among more than 200 grants statewide—expected to benefit nearly 40,000 veterans or their surviving dependents.

Since its inception in 2009 through the current grant cycle ending in 2026,the FVA program has distributed over $359 million via more than 1,600 grants. These grants fund various types of support including emergency financial relief; transportation; legal aid; family services; home modification projects; rental or mortgage help; mental health care initiatives; specialty courts addressing veteran needs; as well as county-level officers dedicated exclusively to veteran outreach.

The majority of funding comes from proceeds generated by special games offered through the Texas Lottery designed specifically to benefit state veterans.Additional donations can be made during vehicle registration or while purchasing hunting or fishing licenses.

Veterans seeking information about available resources or how to connect with service providers can visit https://tvc.texas.gov/fund.