Governor Greg Abbott has announced that more than $4.3 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants have been awarded to 14 organizations in the South Texas, Coastal Bend, and Harlingen areas. The grants are administered by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) and are expected to provide services to over 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.”
Laura Koerner, TVC Chairwoman and Navy veteran, added: “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 an event held at the Harlingen Convention Center. Recipients include county governments such as 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), CPLC Texas ($50,000 for peer support services), Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity ($300,000), Goodwill Industries of South Texas ($125,000 for skill-based training), Hidalgo County (totaling $600,000 split between housing support and peer services), among others.
Additional awards went to agencies including Nueces County (a combined $350,000 toward financial assistance and Veterans Treatment Court), San Patricio County ($100,000), The Salvation Army – Corpus Christi ($200,000), Webb County (totaling $300,000 toward transportation services and Veterans Treatment Court), Willacy County ($150,000), and Zapata County (a combined $600,000 toward financial assistance and housing).
Earlier this year in May 2025 Governor Abbott announced a statewide distribution of over $46 million through more than 200 grants supporting approximately 40,000 veterans or their dependents throughout Texas.
Since its inception in 2009 through the current grant cycle ending in 2026 over $359 million has been distributed via more than 1,600 FVA grants.
These grants cover a range of services including emergency financial aid; transportation; legal help; family support; home modifications; rental/mortgage aid; mental health care; specialized courts; housing initiatives such as Housing for Texas Heroes; general assistance; treatment courts dedicated to veterans; as well as county service officers aiding local needs.
Funding comes primarily from proceeds of designated games by the Texas Lottery, with additional contributions possible during vehicle registration or hunting/fishing license purchases.
Veterans seeking information about available resources can find providers listed at https://tvc.texas.gov/fund.
