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Thirty-five Central Texas organizations, including 13 supporting the Bastrop County area, received a combined $8.3 million in veteran assistance grants announced by Gov. Greg Abbott Aug. 28.
The funding, administered by the Texas Veterans Commission, will provide services to an estimated 4,790 area veterans through a range of programs including emergency financial assistance, transportation, legal services, mental health 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 a statement.
Earlier this spring, TVC commissioners approved $40.8 million in grants to 190 veteran organizations across the state, serving more than 125,600 veterans and their dependents.
Since 2009, the Funds for Veterans’ Assistance program has awarded nearly 1,800 grants totaling more than $400 million.
Funding comes primarily from Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support, with additional contributions available through vehicle registration and hunting and fishing license purchases.
“ We’re incredibly thankful for the organizations across Central Texas that show up every day to support Texas veterans and their families,” said TVC Deputy Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran Shawn Deabay. “These grants help strengthen that work. It’s great seeing the community give back to those who served.”
Grant recipients supporting the Bastrop County area include: · A Sanctuary for Military Families: $211,000 for non-clinical mental health · Austin Dog Alliance: $350,000 for service dog program · Austin Habitat for Humanity: $100,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes · Caritas of Austin: $45,000 for non-clinical mental health; $150,000 for financial assistance; $38,000 for clinical counseling; $116,000 for financial assistance · Catholic Charities of Central Texas: $275,000 for financial assistance · Department of Texas Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation: $400,000 for financial assistance · Goodwill Industries of Central Texas: $200,000 for financial assistance · Heroes Night Out: $165,000 for financial assistance · National Guard Association of Texas: $250,000 for financial assistance · Samaritan Center for Counseling and Pastoral Care: $400,000 for clinical counseling · Semper Fi & America’s Fund: $300,000 for financial assistance · Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation: $300,000 for financial assistance · USA Cares: $250,000 for financial assistance Veterans seeking assistance can find local organizations at tvc.texas. gov/directory or visit tvc. texas.gov for a complete list of grant recipients.
