Grants Fuel Local Support for Veterans in Katy, Fulshear, and Fort Bend County
The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) recently awarded nearly $8 million in grant funding to 38 organizations across Southeast Texas, as part of its statewide Fund for Veterans’ Assistance (FVA) program. Five of those organizations are based in or serve Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, and Fort Bend County, where veterans face increasing challenges related to mental health, financial hardship, housing insecurity, and access to support services.
The grants—formally presented by TVC Vice Chair and Army veteran Kevin Barber on September 12 at Easter Seals of Greater Houston—are expected to reach more than 5,200 veterans and their families in the Gulf Coast region. According to the press release from the Governor’s office, the awards are part of a larger effort to ensure that organizations providing direct assistance to veterans have the resources they need. Governor Greg Abbott emphasized this commitment, saying, “Texas will never forget our veterans, their families, and their service to our state and our country.”
Meeting Needs Where They’re Growing
In Fort Bend County, which is among the fastest‑growing counties in Texas, the demand for veteran services is increasing as population growth drives up housing costs and strains existing social services. The Fort Bend County Veterans Services Office received $150,000 for clinical counseling and $50,000 for financial assistance to strengthen its capacity to help veterans with emergency needs, benefit navigation, and trauma‑informed mental health care.
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Fort Bend Seniors Meals on Wheels, based in Rosenberg and serving both Fort Bend and Waller Counties, was awarded $200,000 to expand support services. It serves all senior citizens aged 60 and over, including homebound individuals through meal delivery and others through congregate meals, transportation, case management, referrals, and recreation activities. It operates multiple senior activity centers (12 congregate centers in Fort Bend and Waller Counties as of the latest reporting) and serves many seniors free of charge.
In Katy, Katy Christian Ministries (KCM) was awarded $230,000 for financial assistance and $50,000 for clinical counseling. The organization offers wrap‑around services including emergency financial aid, housing help, food support, and counseling for those in crisis.
The Texana Center, based in Rosenberg, received $50,000 for peer support services. Texana provides behavioral health and developmental disability services across Fort Bend County; its veteran peer programs help those coping with mental health challenges by connecting them with peers who share similar experiences.
Finally, VFW Post 9182 in Katy was granted $55,000 for financial assistance to veterans. The post is known locally for offering emergency aid, advocacy, and support to veterans transitioning back to civilian life.
Why This Funding Matters
Recent data shows that veteran homelessness remains a critical issue nationally and in Texas. According to HUD’s Point‑in‑Time (PIT) count in 2024, there were 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness in the U.S., a 7.5% decrease from 2023. That includes 19,031 veterans in sheltered settings and 13,851 unsheltered. Despite the drop nationally, Texas saw an increase among veterans experiencing homelessness in 2023, including both sheltered and unsheltered counts. The Texas Homeless Network reports that approximately 4,085 veterans in Texas were experiencing homelessness as of December 2023.
Veterans are often disproportionately affected by housing instability, mental health challenges including PTSD, substance use, and financial insecurity. Many struggle to access benefits or do not qualify for VA‑run programs; local nonprofits like those in Fort Bend and Katy often serve as vital safety nets.
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A Broader Movement to Serve Veterans Statewide
These grants are part of the TVC’s FVA program, which since 2009 has awarded over $359 million in grants through more than 1,600 awards statewide. The program is funded mainly by Texas Lottery proceeds earmarked for veterans, and by voluntary contributions tied to vehicle registrations and license purchases. The current round joins a long list of organizations—covering legal services, housing support, peer counseling, and more—that collectively work to serve veterans across the Gulf Coast region.
Veterans in need of services can find providers and get more information through tvc.texas.gov.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
