Gov. Abbott awards $2.4M to El Paso, Midland vet services

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Texas Governor Greg Abbott awarded $2.4 million in Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants to El Paso and Midland veteran service organizations.

The grants were provided to support services as part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s (TVC) Grants Across Texas presentations, according to the news release by Abbott’s Office

“Texas is proud to offer crucial services to support the brave men and women who selflessly served in our nation’s military,” said Governor Abbott. “From financial assistance, to support for homeless veterans, and more, these Fund for Veterans Assistance grants reinforce Texas’ support for our heroes so they can lead successful lives in our state. Texans are forever indebted to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices made for our state and our country.”

The following list is the grant recipients and the services they provide:

• Adult and Youth United Development Association El Paso:
• $190,000 grant for financial assistance
• $495,000 grant for Housing for Texas Heroes

• Child Crisis Center of El Paso: $197,000 grant for support services
• City of El Paso: $100,000 grant for transportation programs and services
• El Paso County: $300,000 grant for veteran treatment court program
• Project Amistad:
• $300,000 grant for financial assistance
• $100,000 grant for clinical counseling

• The Salvation Army– El Paso: $250,000 grant for homeless veteran support
• The Salvation Army– Midland: $260,000 grant for homeless veteran support
• YWCA El Paso del Norte Region: $300,000 grant for support services

The funding will provide services to over 2,1000 veterans and their families in 23 counties, according to Abbott’s Office.

“West Texas is known for its strong military community, and many veterans decide to call it home after leaving the service. I was myself stationed in Fort Bliss and was proud to call the Lone Star State my new home,” said TVC Executive Director and Army veteran Thomas Palladino. “These grant awards will make a big impact in the region with services ranging from homeless veteran support to home modifications in the Housing for Texas Heroes program.”

According to Abbott’s Office, the grants offer various services to veterans and their dependents from emergency financial assistance to transportation, legal services to family support services and home modification to rental mortgage assistance.

The TVC awards the grants in five categories: General Assistance, Housing for Texas Heroes, Veterans Mental Health Grants, Veterans Treatment Courts, and Veteran County Service Officers.

Funding for the grants is primarily by the Texas Lottery Commission’s games, other sources of funding are from individual donation options on driver’s licenses, licenses to carry a handgun, outdoor recreation licenses for hunting and fishing and vehicle registration, according to Abbott’s Office.

Texas veterans who need assistance in their area can visit the Texas Veterans Commission website here for more information.