TEXAS – Organizations that support Veterans can now apply for more than $6 million in grants through the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance.
The grants consist of $1.5 million in Veterans Mental Health grants and $5 million in General Assistance grants. Since 2009, the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance has helped Veterans and their families by connecting government resources with community organizations.
“These grants fill the gap in local communities where there may not be enough Veterans resources,” said Thomas Palladino, Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission. “Organizations that receive grants represent the best resources to Texas Veterans who are in need.”
The grants are available to local governments, nonprofits, and Veteran-serving organizations which allows Veterans more options to access much needed services in their community.
The Texas Veterans Commission, in partnership with the Texas Department of State Health Services, has committed $1.5 million in Veterans Mental Health grants to organizations providing mental health to Veterans and their family members. This is the second round of grants to come out of this partnership.
Priority is given to projects sustaining or expanding Peer Networking Centers. These centers, operated by Veterans, provide information on how to access resources and services that benefit their mental health. Peer centers are successful because Veterans are more comfortable interacting with Veterans who have a similar background with shared experiences. Other projects given priority include services provided by mental health care professionals, services specializing in military related injuries, and projects serving Veterans in rural areas.
“Veterans mental health can be an uphill battle at times,” said Sean Hanna, Director of the Military Veteran Peer Network. “As Veterans return to the civilian life, it is paramount that those in need of mental health support have access to groups they can trust and these grants provide a tremendous boost to Veterans and families in need.”
The General Assistance grants, which focus on improving the lives of Veterans and their families, has $5 million available. Past recipients of General Assistance grants have provided rent-free utilities, legal aid and counseling, employment services and more to Veterans throughout Texas.
Nearly $34 million in General Assistance and Veterans Mental Health grants have been awarded to date through 190 grants to 114 different local organizations. The organizations who have received these grants have used the funds to help more than 177,000 Texas Veterans and their dependents.
Requests for applications for the Fund for Veterans’ Assistance General Assistance and Veterans Mental Health must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. All information, including the application details, about these solicitations are posted to the Texas Veterans Commission website at https://www.tvc.texas.gov/Apply-For-A-Grant.aspx.
Individuals can support these local organizations by making an online donation through www.tvc.texas.gov or on their driver license or vehicle registration forms by specifying an amount on the form.