AUSTIN (KXAN) — The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded nearly $45 million in grants to fight veteran homelessness in Texas.
Ten organizations across the state received millions of dollars each to help veterans experiencing homelessness or on the verge of becoming homeless.
Several recipient organizations, such as Front Steps and Caritas of Austin, are local operations. Others like The Salvation Army and the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program have local locations.
The funds will be dispersed throughout fiscal year 2026 to help the awarded organizations support veterans with housing, healthcare, financial planning, childcare, legal assistance and transportation.
Dr. Wendell Jones, Director of Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 17 in Arlington, emphasized that the services offered are “important catalysts for preventing or resolving homelessness.”
As part of a national, 118-million-dollar outpouring by the VA’s Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, Jones is optimistic “these grants will help bring crucial support to thousands of veterans in need across the nation.”
Caritas of Austin
“Caritas” means “love” or “charity” in Latin. It is with that ethos that Caritas of Austin has sought to end and prevent homelessness in the city since 1964.
The nonprofit not only seeks to provide people with stable homes, but also access to healthy groceries, educational opportunities and jobs that pay liveable wages.
In their Annual Impact Statement, Caritas has reportedly served 122 veteran families. In fiscal year 2024, 572 people received supportive housing services, and 95% of these clients remained in stable housing.
Front Steps
Founded in 1997, Front Steps is a nonprofit that helps the chronically homeless transition into permanent housing.
Beyond a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, services for veterans, case management operations and a homeless prevention initiative called First Steps, Front Steps partners with other local nonprofits to provide clients with mental health services, legal assistance, and job placement.
Front Steps reports that veteran homelessness rates are down significantly from 14 years ago. The nonprofit states that veterans comprised 14% of Austin’s homeless population in 2011 compared to 3% today.
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