Fort Worth has launched a veterans resource guide to help streamline resources for service members and their families.
The webpage connects to dozens of nonprofits across the metroplex, government organizations, and other community services.
A section of the guide assists former military service members with VA benefits and home loans, allowing them to request military personnel records. The resource also connects veterans with local business opportunities, education, discounts and complimentary offers, healthcare centers designed specifically for military members, financial assistance, transportation, legal questions, and more.
Additionally, the guide has a tab dedicated to recognition opportunities in Dallas-Fort Worth. Loved ones can request recognition from the City of Fort Worth Mayor and Council and nominate a veteran for the Texas Rangers and American Airlines Faces of Freedom program.
The program honors three active or retired Texas military members monthly. Those chosen receive four VIP tickets to a Texas Rangers season game, an opportunity for video board recognition during the game, a Texas Rangers goody bag, and a trip for two to Washington, D.C., in November.
“Fort Worth is committed to serving and supporting the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Veterans Affairs Officer Joaquin Castillo. “We want our veterans to know that we are here to help them find and utilize the resources they need to live a high quality of life in our community.”
In recent years, Texas has increased its efforts to improve the lives of its veterans.
In September, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $2.7 million to organizations in Texas fighting to prevent veteran suicide, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Grants were given to organizations that identify veterans at risk of suicide, provide baseline mental health screening, educate families and communities about suicide risk and prevention, offer peer support services, and other services that focus on reducing suicide risk.
Grants were prioritized in areas with high calls to the Veterans Crisis Line.
Earlier this summer, Tarrant County reported a decrease in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness, per DX.
According to Lauren King, executive director of the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, veteran homelessness has dropped by 42% since 2018.