Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that Texas will distribute more than $6.3 million to 27 organizations serving veterans across Southeast Texas and the Coastal Bend.
The state estimates that approximately 4,800 veterans will receive counseling, housing assistance, emergency financial support, and other services through grants administered by the Texas Veterans Commission.
Grants Target Mental Health, Housing Needs
The $6,302,000 in awards comes from the state’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance program, according to the governor’s announcement.
“Texans are forever indebted to our brave veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” Abbott said.
The grants will support services including clinical counseling, non-clinical mental health programs, financial assistance, and housing improvements for veterans.
After Military Service received $150,000 for its Camp SHiEld non-clinical mental health program. The Houston-area nonprofit operates retreats and peer-support programs for women veterans, according to the organization’s program website.
Cenikor Foundation received $200,000 for clinical counseling, while Castle Cares Community Ministries received $200,000 to provide financial assistance. Colorado County Habitat for Humanity received $100,000 through the Housing for Texas Heroes program.
Easter Seals Greater Houston received two grants totaling $450,000: $350,000 for clinical counseling and $100,000 for financial assistance. Family Service Center of Galveston County received $150,000 for clinical counseling.
The complete list of recipients and grant amounts is available through the Texas Veterans Commission.
Organizations Deliver Services Locally
The money is awarded to nonprofit organizations and local governments that provide services directly to veterans and their families. It is not distributed as automatic individual payments.
The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance was created by the 79th Texas Legislature. The Texas Veterans Commission evaluates applications and awards grants to eligible organizations addressing needs that include homelessness, mental health, transportation, financial hardship, and employment.
Funding comes primarily from designated Texas Lottery games and voluntary contributions made when Texans obtain or renew driver licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and vehicle registrations.
The regional awards are part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Grants Across Texas initiative, through which state officials recognize recipient organizations and outline the services financed by the program.
Statewide Program Has Awarded Millions
The latest awards follow a larger statewide grant announcement in 2025. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Texas approved approximately $46.3 million for 175 organizations expected to serve more than 40,000 veterans and their families.
At the time, the state reported that the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance had issued more than 1,600 grants totaling over $359 million since 2009.
Southeast Texas and Coastal Bend organizations also received $7.9 million in regional grants announced in 2025. Those awards were expected to support approximately 5,200 veterans and family members, according to earlier coverage by The Dallas Express.
Organizations receiving the newly announced grants will administer the programs under agreements overseen by the Texas Veterans Commission.
