Gov. Greg Abbott announced Aug. 28 that $8,367,000 in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance grants has been awarded to 35 organizations in the Central Texas region. The awards are part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Grants Across Texas Tour.
Administered by the Texas Veterans Commission, the funding will provide services to an estimated 4,790 or more local veterans, according to the governor’s office. The grants underwrite a range of services stretching from emergency financial assistance and transportation to legal services, family support, home modification and rental and mortgage assistance.
“Our veterans represent the strength and resilience of our great land, and every veteran deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling life after service,” Abbott said in the announcement. “Texas will always support the brave men and women who answered the call to serve our state and nation.”
Shawn Deabay, deputy executive director of the Texas Veterans Commission and an Army veteran, credited local groups for the work the money will support. “We’re incredibly thankful for the organizations across Central Texas that show up every day to support Texas veterans and their families,” Deabay said. “These grants help strengthen that work. It’s great seeing the community give back to those who served.”
The recipient list released by the governor’s office spans nonprofits, counties and health agencies. Baylor Research Institute received $400,000 for clinical counseling and $200,000 for family and child support services, while the Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care and the Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation each received $400,000, for clinical counseling and financial assistance respectively. Bell County received $400,000 for financial assistance and $140,000 for its veterans treatment court, and Williamson County received $300,000 for financial assistance and $360,000 for its veterans treatment court. Housing awards went to groups including Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter and Fort Hood Area Habitat for Humanity, at $250,000 each, and Austin Habitat for Humanity at $100,000. Other recipients included the Austin Dog Alliance, which received $350,000 for a service dog program, Semper Fi and America’s Fund and the Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation at $300,000 each, and the YMCA of Central Texas at $45,000 for family and child support services.
The Central Texas awards are one slice of a larger round. In May, commissioners approved 190 grants totaling more than $40.8 million to 160 organizations statewide, funding anticipated to serve more than 125,600 veterans, dependents and surviving spouses, the governor’s office said. Since 2009 and through the current 2026-2027 grant cycle, more than $400 million has been awarded through 1,790 Funds for Veterans’ Assistance grants.
Veterans seeking help can locate participating organizations and contact information through the commission’s Grant Services Directory, according to the announcement.