East Texas Veterans to Benefit From $1.9M in New State Grants

Local groups join record-breaking $46.3 million statewide effort to expand services for veterans and their families

Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) have announced that seven organizations in East Texas will receive more than $1.9 million in new grant funding to expand services for local veterans and their families — including groups operating in Polk, Trinity, Cass, and DETCOG counties.

The grants are part of a record-setting $46.3 million distribution statewide from the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA). These funds, approved by the TVC earlier this year, are projected to directly serve nearly 40,000 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses across Texas.

“Texas is forever indebted to the brave men and women who answered the call to serve in our nation's military,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas will always support our veterans and honor their sacrifices to our state and our nation.”

Local Grant Recipients in East Texas

During a regional presentation this week at the East Texas Council of Governments in Kilgore, TVC Commission Secretary and Marine veteran Chuck Wright formally announced grant totals for several East Texas agencies:

• Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG)

  • $350,000 – Housing for Texas Heroes

  • $50,000 – Financial Assistance

• Polk County

  • $235,000 – Financial Assistance

• Trinity County

  • $50,000 – Financial Assistance

• East Texas Veterans Community Council (Camp V)

  • $250,000 – Support Services

• East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG)

  • $250,000 – Organizational Transportation Fleet

• Cass County

  • $400,000 – Housing for Texas Heroes

  • $350,000 – Financial Assistance

• Sabine Valley Regional MHMR Center

  • $50,000 – Peer Support Services

Together, these programs are expected to serve more than 700 veterans and families across 35 counties in the Piney Woods and surrounding areas.

“Many veterans and their families live in the Piney Woods and throughout East Texas,” said Secretary Wright. “This is a mix of rural areas and cities — and those in both still need the same resources. These grant awards will make services more available in our region.”

Statewide Support, Local Impact

The $46.3 million in FVA grants marks the largest annual grant cycle in the commission’s history, with 175 organizations statewide receiving funding. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance supports a wide range of services, including:

• Clinical counseling

• Employment support

• Financial and housing assistance

• Peer and legal support services

• Transportation programs

• Home modification and rental aid

• Veteran Treatment Courts

Since the program’s inception in 2009, over $359 million in FVA grants have been awarded through more than 1,600 individual grants.

Where the Money Comes From

Funding for these services is generated through:

• Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support

• Optional donations during vehicle registration

• Hunting and fishing licenses

• Licenses to carry a handgun

  
  

The TVC awards FVA grants across five categories:

• General Assistance

• Housing for Texas Heroes

• Veterans Mental Health

• Veteran Treatment Courts

• Veteran County Service Officers

Need Help?

Veterans and family members in need of support can search for grant-funded local programs and find contact info by county at: tvc.texas.gov/fund