Gov. Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that over $2.4 million in grants will flow to seven organizations providing vital services for veterans across El Paso and West Texas, extending a lifeline to thousands who’ve served their country.
The funding, distributed through the Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) program, will support services for more than 2,160 veterans and their families spanning 28 counties in the region. Services range from emergency financial assistance to clinical counseling, transportation, and specialized veterans treatment courts.
“Texans are forever indebted to our brave veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” Abbott said in a statement. “These Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will provide our nation’s heroes and their families access to crucial services such as housing and financial assistance so they can thrive in El Paso and West Texas.”
Where the Money Goes
The grants target a wide spectrum of veteran needs. Project Amistad received the largest combined allocation at $300,000, split between financial assistance and clinical counseling programs. El Paso County secured $685,000 across two initiatives — $285,000 for financial assistance and $400,000 for its Veterans Treatment Court.
Jeff Davis County wasn’t far behind, securing $695,000 divided between financial assistance and a Housing for Texas Heroes program. Other recipients include The Salvation Army of El Paso ($150,000 for homeless veteran support), Child Crisis Center of El Paso ($235,000), the City of El Paso ($120,000 for transportation services), and the YWCA El Paso del Norte Region ($250,000).
Why does this matter? For many veterans transitioning back to civilian life, these services represent not just convenience but necessity — particularly in rural West Texas where resources can be scarce and distances between services substantial.
A History of Support
The latest grants continue a substantial investment in veteran services across Texas. Since 2009, the FVA program has distributed more than $359 million through over 1,600 grants statewide. Earlier this year, Abbott announced a record-breaking $46.3 million in grants to 175 organizations projected to assist nearly 40,000 veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses throughout Texas.
Most Texans might not realize where this funding originates. The primary source is revenue from Texas Lottery games specifically designated for veteran support, with additional contributions coming from voluntary donations during vehicle registration and when purchasing hunting and fishing licenses.
Chip Osborne, TVC Director of Veteran Services and an Army veteran himself, expressed gratitude to the recipient organizations. “I want to sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans. Your organizations are recognized for making a difference in the lives of those who served,” Osborne said. “The West Texas area has a strong military community, and it is home to many veterans. It’s great seeing the community give back to those who served.”
The grants come at a crucial time. Despite Texas having one of the largest veteran populations in the country, many former service members still struggle with employment, housing insecurity, and access to specialized healthcare — challenges these programs aim to address directly.
For the organizations receiving funding, the work begins immediately — translating dollars into tangible support for those who once wore the uniform, in a region where service to country runs deep but resources haven’t always followed.
