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For veterans living in Harris and Fort Bend counties, finding the right support after military service can sometimes be a matter of knowing where to begin. A veteran in Katy may need help filing a disability claim. A military family in Sugar Land could be struggling with an unexpected household expense. Someone in Richmond may be looking for counseling, while a former service member in Houston might simply want to reconnect with people who understand military life.

The good news is that help is available, often at no cost, through county government offices, nonprofit organizations and veterans groups serving the Greater Houston area.

As communities across Houston, Cypress, Katy, Fulshear, Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg and Missouri City recognize Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, there is an opportunity to do more than thank those who served. Residents can help connect veterans and their families with services they may not realize exist.

From housing assistance and employment programs to free benefits counseling and opportunities for fellowship, these resources are available throughout the year. Some are specifically for residents of one county, while others serve qualifying veterans and military families across the region.

Free VA Benefits Assistance Through Harris and Fort Bend County Veterans Service Offices

Understanding veterans benefits can be complicated, especially for former service members who have never filed a claim or are trying to appeal a previous decision.

Both Harris County and Fort Bend County operate dedicated veterans service offices that provide assistance with federal and state benefits.

Harris County Veterans Services Department

The Harris County Veterans Services Department provides free consultations for veterans, eligible dependents and surviving family members.

Veteran service officers assist with VA disability compensation, pensions, claims and appeals, health care benefits, education programs, insurance, survivor benefits and military records needed for applications.

The department also connects veterans with employment information and community resources.

• Address: 2100 Travis Street, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77002
• Phone: 281-876-6600 
• Email: vsdinfo@harriscountytx.gov

Veterans can request a free benefits consultation online.

Fort Bend County Veteran Service Office

The Fort Bend County Veteran Service Office provides similar assistance for eligible veterans, dependents and survivors.

The office helps with disability compensation, pensions, health care enrollment, education and training benefits, burial and survivor benefits, and information about VA home loan guarantees.

Staff also provide guidance on Texas veterans land, housing and education programs, including the Hazlewood Act, which can provide qualifying veterans and certain family members with tuition benefits at public colleges and universities in Texas.

Home visits are available for elderly and disabled veterans who have difficulty traveling.

• Address: 4520 Reading Road, Suite A-300, Rosenberg, TX 77471
• Phone: 281-341-4550 or 281-238-3587 
• Email: veteranservices@fbctx.gov
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment

Veterans seeking county-specific services should begin with the office serving their county of residence.

Tunnel to Towers Houston Veterans Village Offers Housing and a New Beginning

For veterans experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, one of the area's most significant resources is the Tunnel to Towers Houston Veterans Village in northwest Houston.

Located at 18818 Tomball Parkway in the Willowbrook area, the development opened in 2023 after the Tunnel to Towers Foundation transformed a former 161-room hotel into housing for veterans.

The property provides permanent and transitional housing, along with access to services that help residents address employment, mental health, financial stability and other challenges.

In August 2025, the foundation expanded the development with 14 fully furnished Comfort Homes designed for senior veterans.

Each 500-square-foot residence includes a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living space. The homes provide older veterans with greater independence while keeping them close to the assistance available at the main Veterans Village.

The development is part of the foundation's national Homeless Veteran Program, which provides housing and supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Founded in memory of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller, who died responding to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation also helps catastrophically injured veterans, Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders.

Veterans who do not live at the Houston Veterans Village may also find housing-related assistance through the foundation's National Case Management Network.

• Houston Veterans Village Address: 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070
• Website: T2T.org
• Housing Assistance: Tunnel to Towers Homeless Veteran Program

Housing placements depend on program eligibility and availability. Veterans in Harris and Fort Bend counties can contact the foundation to ask about assistance.

U.S.VETS Houston Helps Veterans Find Housing, Employment and Mental Health Support

Working alongside Tunnel to Towers at the Houston Veterans Village is U.S.VETS Houston, a nonprofit that has served veterans experiencing homelessness and other challenges since 1997.

U.S.VETS provides emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing, along with case management, employment assistance, counseling and services designed to help veterans build greater independence.

The organization serves as the supportive services partner at Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village, where residents have access to assistance as they work toward long-term stability.

Its programs also extend beyond veterans living at the development.

Through its Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, U.S.VETS helps qualifying low-income veteran households experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing secure and maintain safe, affordable housing.

Veterans seeking civilian employment can access the organization's Career Development Initiative and Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program. These programs help participants identify career opportunities, prepare for interviews and translate military experience into qualifications civilian employers recognize.

Mental health services include individual and group counseling, substance use treatment, mentoring, peer support and life-skills classes.

U.S.VETS Houston also operates a separate service center at 4405 Griggs Road, near the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, where veterans can access practical assistance such as hygiene kits, sack lunches, phone and email services, and connections to additional resources.

• U.S.VETS Houston Veterans Village: 18818 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX 77070
• U.S.VETS Houston Service Center: 4405 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77021
• Phone: 832-203-1626 
• Website: USVETS.org/locations/houston

Veterans throughout Greater Houston can contact the organization to discuss available programs, service-area requirements and eligibility.

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Financial Assistance Is Available for Eligible Veterans and Military Families

Sometimes the greatest concern facing a military family is making the next mortgage payment, keeping the electricity on or covering transportation expenses while searching for work.

Several local organizations offer assistance for qualifying veterans experiencing financial hardship.

Operation Fort Bend Heroes Helps Fort Bend County Veterans

Operation Fort Bend Heroes is administered through Fort Bend County Social Services.

The program provides general assistance to eligible veterans, service members, spouses and dependents living in Fort Bend County. Depending on eligibility and available funding, assistance may include rent or mortgage payments, utilities and gasoline expenses.

Applicants must demonstrate Fort Bend County residency and meet the program's requirements.

• Fort Bend County Social Services Phone: 281-238-3502 

The Warrior's Refuge Serves Veterans in Both Counties

The Warrior's Refuge provides emergency financial assistance through a Texas Veterans Commission grant to eligible veterans, military members, dependents and surviving spouses.

The program serves Harris and Fort Bend counties, along with several neighboring counties.

Assistance may include rent, mortgage payments, utilities and transportation-related expenses. Services are based on demonstrated financial need, documentation and funding availability.

• Phone: 979-345-3800 
• Website: TheWarriorsRefuge.us

Northwest Assistance Ministries Serves Eligible Harris County Veterans

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) operates a Veterans Assistance Program serving qualifying households in Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties.

For eligible veterans in Harris County, the program may provide rent or mortgage assistance, utility payments, security deposits, transportation assistance and employment coaching.

The program has income, military service and documentation requirements.

• Phone: 281-885-4588 
• Email: veterans@namonline.org

Because NAM's veterans program does not list Fort Bend County among its service areas, Fort Bend residents should begin with Operation Fort Bend Heroes or another organization serving their county.

Combined Arms Connects Veterans With Food Assistance and Other Resources

Houston-based nonprofit Combined Arms helps veterans, transitioning service members and military families connect with organizations that provide employment, education, benefits, housing and mental health support.

Through its Texas Veterans Network, the nonprofit helps veterans navigate available services without having to search for every organization independently.

Combined Arms also works with community partners to provide food assistance.

In Fort Bend County, the organization partners with groups including MAD for Vets, Parkway Fellowship and other local organizations to host a Veterans Food Distribution in Richmond.

The monthly program provides free groceries and opportunities to connect with additional veterans resources.

• Distribution Location: Parkway Fellowship, 27043 FM 1093, Richmond, TX 77406
• Combined Arms Phone: 844-489-8387 
• Food Distribution Information: Combined Arms Fort Bend Veteran Food Distribution

Veterans should verify upcoming distribution dates and registration requirements before attending.

VA Clinics in Richmond and Sugar Land Provide Local Health Care

For qualifying veterans in Fort Bend County, the VA Houston Health Care system operates outpatient clinics in both Richmond and Sugar Land.

The Richmond VA Clinic is located at 22001 Southwest Freeway, Suite 200, in Richmond. The clinic can be reached at 832-595-7700. 

The Sugar Land VA Clinic is located at 1327 Lake Pointe Parkway, Suite 515, in Sugar Land. Its phone number is 281-275-8900. 

Both clinics provide outpatient health services, including primary care and mental health care.

Veterans in Harris County also have access to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston and outpatient clinics in areas including Katy, Tomball and Humble.

New Rosenberg VA Clinic Expected to Open in 2027

Fort Bend County veterans also have a significant health care expansion on the horizon.

In May 2026, the VA broke ground on a 38,000-square-foot outpatient clinic in Rosenberg, with an anticipated opening in 2027.

The facility is expected to expand access to primary care, mental health services, radiology, audiology, optometry, orthopedics, physical therapy, women's health care and other specialties.

According to the VA, the existing Richmond and Sugar Land clinics were serving approximately 13,000 veterans combined when the project was announced.

The new clinic is intended to make additional services available closer to home for Fort Bend County's growing veteran population.

Veterans can learn more about local facilities and eligibility through VA Houston Health Care.

Mental Health and Counseling Services Are Available for Veterans and Families

Military service can affect veterans and their families in ways that are not always visible.

For veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety or difficulty adjusting to civilian life, several local organizations offer counseling and peer support.

The PTSD Foundation of America operates Camp Hope in northwest Houston, a residential program for eligible combat veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress. Camp Hope provides counseling, peer mentoring, case management and other assistance.

• Camp Hope Address: 9724 Derrington Road, Houston, TX 77064
• 24-Hour Veterans Support Line: 877-717-7873 

Easter Seals Greater Houston also serves veterans and military-connected families in Harris and Fort Bend counties.

Its programs include individual, couples and family counseling, case management, financial coaching and additional resources for families adjusting to life during or after military service.

• Phone: 346-330-3859 
• Email: veterans@eastersealshouston.org

Employment Programs Help Veterans Transition Into Civilian Careers

For veterans who are ready to begin a new career, finding the right job can involve more than submitting applications.

Houston-based nonprofit NextOp helps eligible post-9/11 enlisted veterans and transitioning service members translate military skills into civilian employment opportunities.

The organization provides career guidance, job-search assistance and connections with employers. Combined Arms and U.S.VETS Houston also help connect eligible veterans with workforce development programs.

Veterans interested in NextOp can learn more at NextOpVets.org.

Local VFW and American Legion Posts Help Veterans Stay Connected

Not every veteran is looking for financial or medical assistance. Some are looking for friendship, a familiar sense of camaraderie or opportunities to continue serving their community.

Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts throughout Harris and Fort Bend counties offer those connections.

VFW Post 3903 in Rosenberg, located at 1903 First Street, hosts membership meetings, fellowship activities and fundraisers supporting veterans and local charities. The post can be reached at 281-232-3011 or through VFWPost3903.org.

American Legion Post 271 in Rosenberg provides another place for veterans to connect through fellowship, advocacy and community service. Interested veterans can call 281-723-8672 for meeting and membership information.

VFW Post 9182 in Katy, located at 6206 George Bush Drive, connects veterans through fellowship, community service and programs supporting veterans and their families. The post also houses the Katy Veterans Museum. Call 281-391-8387 or visit VFWPost9182.org for membership and activity information.

American Legion Post 164 in Katy, located at 22125 Kingsland Boulevard, offers veterans opportunities to connect through monthly meetings, volunteer activities and community programs, including Boys State and Wreaths Across America. Membership meetings take place on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Interested veterans can call 713-446-7642 or visit LegionPost164KatyTX.org.

Membership requirements vary, and veterans can contact individual posts for details.

Fort Bend County's Thank a Veteran Program Offers Recognition Through Local Businesses

Fort Bend County also offers a program that helps connect veterans with participating businesses.

Through the More Than Words, Thank a Veteran Program, the Fort Bend County Clerk's Office provides a special identification card to veterans who have recorded their military discharge documents with the county.

The card allows participating businesses to offer discounts as a way of recognizing military service.

Veterans can contact the Fort Bend County Clerk's Office at 281-341-8685 for information about participating in the program.

Veterans Facing an Immediate Crisis Can Get Help Around the Clock

Veterans, service members and concerned family members can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

The service provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, whether or not the veteran is enrolled in VA health care.

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838, also available 24 hours a day.

What Harris and Fort Bend County Veterans Should Know

For veterans who have never applied for benefits, are facing a difficult financial situation or simply want to connect with other former service members, there are multiple places to begin.

County veterans service offices can help with benefits questions. The Warrior's Refuge and county financial assistance programs may help qualifying households during emergencies. Organizations such as Tunnel to Towers and U.S.VETS Houston provide housing-related assistance, while local VFW and American Legion posts offer fellowship and opportunities to remain involved in the community.

Family members, friends and neighbors can help by sharing these resources or assisting a veteran with making an appointment.

As Harris and Fort Bend counties observe Veterans Day 2026, these organizations are a reminder that appreciation for military service can extend well beyond one day of recognition.

For veterans and military families, knowing that help is available can make a meaningful difference.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for ongoing coverage of veterans services, nonprofit initiatives and community resources throughout Harris and Fort Bend counties.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

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