Abbott announces $7.9 million in new grants to Gulf Coast veteran groups

Kevin Barber, TVC Vice Chair and Army veteran - TVC
Kevin Barber, TVC Vice Chair and Army veteran - TVC
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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 veterans and their families in the Southeast Texas Gulf Coast and Houston area. The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) administers these grants, which are expected to provide services to 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.”

“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,” said TVC Vice Chair and Army veteran Kevin Barber. “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.”

The grants were presented by Commissioner Kevin Barber at Easter Seals of Greater Houston. The funds will support a range of services such as financial assistance, clinical counseling, housing support through programs like Housing for Texas Heroes, peer support services, legal aid, skill-based training, homeless veteran support, family support services, Veterans Treatment Courts, mental health care, rental or mortgage assistance, transportation help, and other resources.

Some notable grant recipients include Family Service Center of Houston and Harris County ($350,000), Fort Bend County ($150,000 for counseling; $50,000 for financial assistance), Harris County ($400,000 for financial assistance; $295,000 for peer support), Houston Habitat for Humanity ($350,000), PTSD Foundation of America ($350,000), United States Veterans Initiative ($650,000 total), among others.

Earlier this year in May 2025,Governor Abbott announced a record allocation of $46.3 million through over 200 grants benefiting nearly 40,000 veterans statewide.

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

Funding for these programs primarily comes from proceeds generated by special games from the Texas Lottery dedicated to supporting veterans. Additional contributions come from voluntary donations during vehicle registration or when obtaining hunting or fishing licenses.

Veterans seeking assistance can find information about available resources at tvc.texas.gov/fund.



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