If you’re a veteran in South Texas struggling to keep the lights on, find housing, or get the support you need—help just got closer to home. Governor Greg Abbott announced that 14 organizations across the Rio Grande Valley, Coastal Bend, and Harlingen areas will receive more than $4.3 million in grants to serve veterans and their families.
The money will reach veterans in 19 counties, providing services to more than 2,170 people who served our country. This isn’t bureaucratic spending—it’s direct help for people who need it.
Money That Makes a Real Difference
These grants fund the kind of assistance that can turn someone’s life around overnight. Emergency financial help for veterans facing eviction. Housing support for those who need a stable place to live. Job training for service members transitioning to civilian careers. Peer support from other veterans who understand what you’re going through.
“From the Rio Grande Valley to communities across South Texas, our veterans have always stepped forward with courage and honor,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner, a Navy veteran herself. “Veterans and their families in Harlingen and across the region will receive the support they need, whether it’s housing, financial aid, or counseling.”
The grants support five main areas: general assistance, housing programs, mental health services, veterans treatment courts, and county service officers. Each addresses a different challenge that veterans face when they return to civilian life.
Who Gets the Money and What They’ll Do With It
The grants were presented at the Harlingen Convention Center and will go to work immediately across South Texas. Here’s where the money is going:
Cameron County received $300,000 for emergency financial assistance—rent, utilities, and other urgent needs that can’t wait.
City of Harlingen got the largest allocation: $400,000 for financial assistance and another $500,000 for the Housing for Texas Heroes program, which helps veterans secure stable housing.
Hidalgo County received two grants totaling $600,000—$300,000 for housing and $300,000 for peer support services where veterans help other veterans navigate challenges.
Nueces County got $350,000 split between financial assistance and their Veterans Treatment Court, which offers veterans facing legal issues a path forward through specialized programs rather than traditional prosecution.
Webb County received $300,000 for transportation services and Veterans Treatment Court programs, recognizing that getting to appointments and court dates can be a barrier for struggling veterans.
Several smaller counties—Willacy, San Patricio, and Zapata—received grants between $100,000 and $200,000 for financial assistance and housing programs tailored to their communities’ needs.
Community organizations also received funding. The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Coastal Bend got $200,000 for financial assistance. Goodwill Industries of South Texas received $125,000 for job training programs that help veterans develop marketable skills. The Salvation Army in Corpus Christi received $200,000 for financial assistance.
How to Get Help If You Need It
The funding comes from Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support, plus donations from vehicle registrations and hunting and fishing licenses. Every time someone buys a lottery ticket or renews their registration, a portion goes toward helping veterans.
Since 2009, Texas has awarded more than $359 million through over 1,600 grants supporting veterans. This year’s statewide funding hit a record-breaking $46.3 million across 175 organizations, projected to serve nearly 40,000 veterans and their families.
If you’re a veteran who needs help, you don’t have to figure out which organization to call on your own. The Texas Veterans Commission maintains a directory of every organization providing assistance in your area at https://tvc.texas.gov/fund. The website lists what services each group offers and how to contact them.
The assistance covers situations ranging from emergency financial help to long-term support. Veterans facing eviction can get rental assistance. Those struggling with mental health can access counseling. Veterans transitioning to civilian life can get job training. Family members of veterans can receive support services too.
Why This Matters Beyond the Numbers
These grants represent something larger than dollar amounts. They’re Texas acknowledging that the people who defended our freedoms deserve support when they face challenges at home.
“For the brave men and women who secured our nation and defended our freedoms, Texas is forever grateful,” Governor Abbott said. “By investing in these 14 organizations and awarding more than $4.3 million in grant funding, Texas continues to strengthen our support and assistance programs for veterans and ensure that when they or their families face challenges, help is close to home.”
The organizations receiving these grants have proven track records of turning funding into results. They understand veterans’ unique challenges and offer services delivered by people who respect military service and want to help.
For South Texas veterans, this announcement means resources are available locally. You don’t need to travel to San Antonio or Houston for help. The support exists right here in your community, delivered by organizations that understand the region’s particular challenges and opportunities.
Total Funding: $4.3 million to 14 South Texas organizations
Veterans Served: Over 2,170 veterans and family members across 19 counties
Service Categories: Emergency financial assistance, housing support, job training, mental health services, Veterans Treatment Courts, transportation, peer support
Need Help? Find organizations in your area at https://tvc.texas.gov/fund
Full Details: Read the complete press release at https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-announces-over-4.3-million-in-grants-to-14-south-texas-coastal-bend-harlingen-area-veteran-service-organizations
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you’re in crisis to reach out. Many of these programs work best when veterans contact them early, before small problems become emergencies. If you’re a veteran facing challenges, check the Texas Veterans Commission website today to see what help is available in your county.
