Governor Abbott unveils $1.4m grants for veterans in East Texas

AUSTIN, Texas - Today, Governor Greg Abbott revealed eight Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants totaling more than $1.4 million, designed to support veterans and their families in East Texas. The announcement was made at Habitat for Humanity of Smith County during the sixth stop of the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Grants Across Texas initiative.

"Texas will always stand with the brave men and women who fought for our freedoms," Governor Abbott stated. "These grants will deliver essential support and services to veterans and their families, ensuring they thrive for generations to come."

The grants are expected to assist over 690 veterans across 38 counties in East Texas. TVC Commissioner Chuck Wright, a Marine veteran, emphasized the significance of this funding for local veterans. "The Pineywoods of Texas is home to many who have served our country," he said. "These awards will enhance their lives through vital services, including housing modifications and transportation programs."

The grant recipients and their respective amounts are as follows:

Cass County: $300,000 for financial assistance

Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District: $70,000 for financial assistance

Habitat for Humanity of Smith County: $250,000 for home modifications

Northeast Texas Habitat for Humanity: $230,000 for home modifications

RISE-Resource Information Support and Empowerment: $145,000 for transportation services

Sabine Valley Regional MHMR Center: $145,000 for peer support services

The Salvation Army – Lufkin: $100,000 for financial assistance

Trinity County: $180,000 for financial assistance

This announcement follows Governor Abbott’s May declaration of 181 grants totaling over $44 million, which are projected to serve more than 41,000 veterans and their families statewide.

Since its launch in 2009, the FVA program has allocated over $313 million through approximately 1,400 grants, offering a range of services from emergency financial aid to mental health support and housing assistance.

Funding for these grants primarily comes from the Texas Lottery Commission's veteran-designated games, with additional contributions from various state licenses and registrations.

Veterans in need of assistance can access resources available in their area by visiting the Texas Veterans Commission website at tvc.texas.gov/fund.

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