Texas expands support for Panhandle veterans with over one million dollars in new grants

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than $1.4 million in Funds for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) grants have been awarded to seven organizations serving the Panhandle region. Administered by the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), these grants are part of the ongoing Grants Across Texas Tour and will support more than 520 veterans and their families across 60 counties in the area.

“In Texas, we care about the well-being of our veterans,” said Governor Abbott. “These Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will provide home modifications, financial assistance, clinical counseling and other crucial services so that the brave men and women who served in our nation’s military can prosper in the Panhandle. Texas will always remember and honor the sacrifices that our veterans and their families have made for our country.”

The grants were presented at a ceremony held at the Texas Panhandle War Memorial in Amarillo, where TVC Commissioner and Marine veteran Mike Hernandez commended the recipients for their commitment to the state’s veteran population.

Grant Recipients and Their Services

The seven grant recipients and the services they will provide include:

• Panhandle Community Services: $300,000 for financial assistance and $500,000 for Housing for Texas Heroes, supporting housing modifications and stability.

• Refuge Services, Inc.: $200,000 allocated for clinical counseling to help veterans facing mental health challenges.

• Potter County: $75,000 awarded to support its Veterans Treatment Court program, which provides alternative paths to justice for veterans struggling with legal issues.

• Hale County Meals on Wheels: $95,000 for essential support services.

• Lubbock County: $10,000 for additional support services.

• Lubbock Regional MHMR Center: $250,000 to help provide direct financial assistance to veterans in need.

• Rusted and Weathered, Inc.: $60,000 for the Housing for Texas Heroes program.

Support Reaches Rural and Underserved Areas

“The Panhandle is home to many veterans who live in rural areas as well as towns,” said Commissioner Hernandez. “Those in rural areas still need the same resources and these grant awards will make resources more available in the region. I want to sincerely thank each of our award recipients for serving our veterans. Your organizations are recognized for making a difference in lives of those who served.”

The funds aim to ensure that veterans across all areas of the Panhandle, including those in remote or underserved communities, receive the support they need to live with dignity and stability.

A Record Year for Supporting Texas Veterans

This announcement follows Governor Abbott’s May 2025 announcement of a record-breaking $46.3 million in grants awarded to over 175 organizations statewide, with projected benefits reaching nearly 40,000 veterans, their dependents, and surviving spouses.

Since 2009, more than $359 million has been distributed through over 1,600 FVA grants, supporting a wide range of services such as emergency financial aid, legal support, transportation, mental health counseling, and home repairs.

Funding Sources and Future Access

Funding for the grants primarily comes from Texas Lottery games designated for veterans’ services. Texans can also contribute by donating during vehicle registration or while purchasing hunting or fishing licenses.

Veterans in need of support can locate grant-supported organizations and get in touch through the Texas Veterans Commission website at tvc.texas.gov/fund.

This latest investment highlights the state’s dedication to honoring and empowering those who have served in the U.S. military by ensuring they and their families have the tools and support needed to thrive.