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Hi Friends,
South Texas is home to tens of thousands of veterans. As the son of a veteran and raised in a veteran community, it is a top priority of mine to deliver for our veterans, service members, and military families.
Recently, I voted to pass the historic PACT Act, the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic exposed veterans in more than 30 years. You can learn more about the PACT Act and full list of added presumptive illnesses here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/
This session I introduced H.R. 4382, the Repatriate our Patriots Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for and halts the shameful deportation of our men and women in uniform. I also introduced H.R. 6810, the Housing Our Veterans Act, which would require a study on solutions to get our veterans off the streets and into homes. I will continue to put our veterans first and ensure we keep our promise to take care of them during and after service.
Resources:
Small Business Administration Veteran Assistance Program
Provides support and funding to help veteran-owned small businesses get off the ground and prosper.
Find out how to qualify and if you’re eligible here.
Small Business Administration Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Program
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business.
Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office: https://www.sba.gov/district/lower-rio-grande-valley
2422 E. Tyler Ave., Suite E
Harlingen, TX 78550
Phone: 956-427-8533
UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center: https://www.utrgv.edu/vboc/
CESS Bldg., Suite 1.200
1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez
Edinburg, TX 78539
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (956) 665-8931
Texas Veterans Network
The Texas Veterans Network (TVN) is a statewide collaborative of more than 200+ veteran-serving community-based organizations and government agencies that holistically serve the veteran and military community. Together we offer 920+ resources for the military and veteran community.
2929 McKinney
Houston, TX 77003
Phone: (888) 737-3112
Duval County Veterans Services
It is important to administer the duties of the office of Duval County Veteran’s Services with honesty, integrity, proper conduct, and with impartiality. Educating all veterans in the services provided and bringing awareness to them of the benefits available will be given utmost priority.
400 E. Gravis
San Diego, TX 78384
Phone: (361) 279-6219
Fax: (361) 279-8226
Cell: (361) 701-7262
Karnes County Veterans Services
Provides comprehensive knowledge of federal & state laws & regulations applying to veterans & their dependents in obtaining all benefits to which they are entitled by law. Provides advisory service on benefits involved by reviewing a veteran's or surviving family member's situation; acts as an advocate of the veteran or his family in dealing with agencies, organizations & institutions; consults with Texas Veterans Commission, VA Medical & Regional Office Personnel in development of medical treatment claims
210 W Calvert
Rm 162
Karnes City, TX 78118
Phone: (361) 652-3885
Guadalupe County Veterans Services
This office provides comprehensive knowledge of federal law (U.S. Code of Federal Regulations), Title 38, state laws and regulations applying to veterans and their dependents in obtaining all benefits to which they are entitled by law.
211 W. Court Street
Seguin, Texas 78155
Phone: (830) 303-8870
Financial Well-Being:
Supportive Services for Veteran Families
Funding is awarded by the VA to selected private non-profits organization to assist low-income veterans' families with residing or transitioning to permanent housing.
Hidalgo County Veterans Service Office – Broken Arrow Financial Assistance Grant
10213 N. 10th St.
Ste B.
McAllen, Texas 78504
Phone: (956) 292-7076
This grant is for eligible veterans residing in Hidalgo County with all discharge types, including Other Than Dishonorable.
Bravo Zulu Program - Hidalgo County Community Service Agency
Hidalgo County Community Service Agency
2524 N. Closner Blvd
Edinburg, TX, 78541
Phone: (956) 383-6240
Operation Bravo Zulu is designed to provide temporary financial assistance in the form of electric utility assistance to honorably discharged veterans living in Hidalgo County. They must have a combined household income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL), as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
The program offers up to $600 in utility assistance for current bills, arrears and security deposits. In addition, veterans applying for this program will be given the option to participate in a comprehensive needs assessment by a licensed social worker. Based on the needs assessment, referrals will be made to appropriate agencies that can successfully address those needs.
Housing:
Community Action – Services of Hidalgo County
2524 N Closner Blvd
Edinburg, Texas 78541
Phone: (956) 383-6240
They are a leading poverty fighting organization. Information is available on low-income housing, employment, and emergency programs for rent and other bills.
Texas Rent Relief Program (TDHCA)
To contact the Texas Rent Relief program, please call 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368). The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) created the Texas Rent Relief program to help Texas renters pay rent and utility bills (including past due rent and utilities).
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing
This collaborative program between HUD and VA combines HUD housing vouchers with VA supportive services to help Veterans who are homeless, and their families find and sustain permanent housing.
Mortgage Assistance Program - ENDEAVORS
1130 Pecan Blvd.
McAllen, TX 78501
Phone: (956) 278-0751
The Community Housing Assistance Program- Texas Emergency Mortgage Program is now offering funds to Texans who are recovering from the financial impacts of COVID-19. Funded by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, granted funds will provide aid to eligible individuals and families who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Mortgage assistance payments will be available to households whose incomes are at or below 80% or less of Area Median Income.
Health Care:
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
Phase 2 Expansion of PCAFC on October 1, 2022. This phase will open PCAFC to Veterans who served after May 7, 1975, and before September 11, 2001, making Veterans of all eras eligible to apply to PCAFC.
VA South Texas & Texas Valley Health Care
To help our South Texas veterans stay healthy and address their health needs.
Contact a patient advocate or contact the South Texas VA directly: (877) 469-5300.
Harlingen VA Clinic
2601 Veterans Drive
Harlingen, TX 78550-8942
Main phone: (956) 291-9000
VA health connect: (833) 284-7212
Mental health care: (956) 291-9129
North Tenth Street VA Clinic
3900 North 10th Street
McAllen, TX 78501-1735
Main phone: (956) 618-7100
VA health connect: (833) 284-7212
McAllen VA Clinic
901 East Hackberry Avenue
McAllen, TX 78501-6502
Main phone: (956) 618-7100
VA health connect: (833) 284-7212
Mental health care: (956) 618-7100 x67300
Seguin VA Clinic
526 East Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155-5712
Main phone: 830-372-1697
VA health connect: 833-284-7212
New Braunfels VA Clinic
705 Landa Street, Suite C
New Braunfels, TX 78130-4170
Main phone: 830-643-0717
VA health connect: 833-284-7212
Texas Veterans Commission
Provides grants, help with citizenship & naturalization, mental health programs, getting a quality education, and helping start a business, or find a job.
Go to their website to see what services they can provide or call at (512) 463-6564.
Warrior Assistance Program - Texas Tropical Behavioral Health
Weslaco Military Veteran Peer Center
2215 W. Business 83
Weslaco, TX 78596
Phone: (956) 520-8860
Rental assistance available for qualifying veterans and their families.
Area Agency on Aging
301 W Railroad
Weslaco, TX 78596
Phone: (956) 682-3481
The objective of the Counsel of Government's Area Agency on Aging is to provide an opportunity for a high quality of life of older persons through the development and expansion of a comprehensive and coordinated social service delivery system at the regional level.
Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL)
Valley Association for Independent Living
3012 N McColl Road
McAllen, Texas 78501
Toll Free: 1-866-400-8245
Program Fax: 956-878-1601
Email VAIL/McAllen: [email protected]
VAIL provides services that enable people with disabilities to live more independently. They include: Information and referral; Independent living skills; Individual and systems advocacy; Peer counseling.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse:
VET2VET
Vet to Vet is a consumer/provider partnership program that utilizes veterans in recovery in a peer-counseling capacity to help other veterans. Vet to Vet is administered by veterans who themselves have been consumers of VA mental-health services.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in the Upper Rio Grande Valley. This area includes McAllen, Mission, Donna, Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Weslaco, La Joya, Palmview, and Rio Grande City.
If you would like to talk to someone regarding Alcoholics Anonymous or about the meetings in the area feel free to call our 24-hour hotline (800) 930-3215.
Warriors Heart
Warriors Heart ®
756 Purple Sage Road
Bandera, TX 78003
Business Phone: (830) 225-1622
Fax Number: 830-460-5055
Warriors Heart® provides private treatment to adult men and women 18 and older who are seeking inpatient treatment for chemical dependency, alcohol abuse, and co-occurring psychological disorders relating to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or the psychological effects of MTBI (mild traumatic brain injury).
Warriors Heart is a privately funded treatment center located in San Antonio, where they only treat active military, veterans, firefighters, police, EMTs, and active members from across the United States that belong to organizations that protect and serve the citizens of the United States.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential crisis support serving Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. Dial 9-8-8 to connect with a real person qualified to support Veterans 24/7, 365 days a year.
Education:
Goodwill Industries of South Texas
Rio Grande Valley:
Phone: (956) 383-0023 ext. 60100
Goodwill provides free digital skills training for veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses.
Wellness & Recreation:
Heroes on the Water
Alternative wellness programs for veterans, first responders and their families.
Team Red White and Blue (RWB)
Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) exists to help veterans prioritize their well-being with real-life and virtual opportunities focused on building a healthier lifestyle.
Food & Transportation
Meals for Vets
Our mission is to provide consistent access to healthy, nutritious meals for Texas Veterans, age 59 and younger, who are in need financially.
PO Box 1024
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Phone: (800) 676-1389
Toll Free: (800) 676-1389
Food Bank RGV
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is passionately committed to improving lives through food assistance, nutrition education, and access to community services.
Loaves and Fishes of the RGV
For the Hungry the Homeless and the Hurting
Valley Metro
The Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council provides public transportation in urbanized and non-urbanized areas of the lower Rio Grande Valley through its transit department, Valley Metro.
Hidalgo County:
Services: Alamo, Alton, Donna, Edcouch, Elsa, Edinburg, Hargill, La Blanca, La Joya, Mercedes, Mission, Palmhurst, Palmview, Pharr, San Carlos, San Juan, Sullivan City, Weslaco
Main transfer hub: McAllen Central Station (downtown McAllen)
Service hours are typically Monday - Saturday, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Office Number: (800) 574 - 8322
Gold Star Families:
Operation We Are Here
Resources for the military community and Military supporters
Department of Veterans Affairs – Bereavement Counseling
Bereavement counseling (also sometimes called “grief counseling”) aids and supports people going through emotional and psychological stress after the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling includes a broad range of transition services, including outreach, counseling, and referral services to family members.
Military One Source
The Defense Department and other agencies are committed to connecting survivors with resources to relieve financial stress and provide assistance with decision-making around the death of a service member. The following are some of the most important benefits.
Gold Star Wives of America Inc.
Located in and around Military City USA, the Lone Star Chapter serves and unites surviving spouses who live in and around San Antonio, Austin, New Braunfels, the Texas Hill Country, and surrounding counties. We welcome virtual membership from any GSW Member-At-Large who would like to be affiliated with our chapter. Our chapter consists of Gold Star Wives from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as survivors of Active Duty and Retired disabled veterans.
We will never be able to repay the debt we owe veterans and their families. We must build on recent achievements and continue fighting for better and more comprehensive services for our heroes upon their return. Please do not hesitate to contact my office should you have any questions or would like assistance connecting with these resources.
Sincerely,
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
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