Hays County is the recipient of $400,000 in grant funding through the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance, which serves a multitude of needs for veterans and their families, for two countywide programs.

A closer look

On Oct. 3, Gov. Greg Abbott announced $6.4 million in grant funding going to veteran service organizations in Central Texas.

“Texas is home to more veterans than any other state in the nation and [Texas Veterans Commission] is committed to providing services to those 1.5 million heroes and their families,” said Laura Koerner, the TVC chair and a Navy veteran, in the announcement. “Here in the heart of Texas, the grant program will support a variety of services from Veterans Treatment Court to home repairs and clinical counseling.”

This is the third year that the county has received veterans assistance funding, said Jude Prather, a county veteran service officer and San Marcos City Council member.


The $400,000 for the county is broken down as follows:About the programs

The services office is located on the second floor of the historic courthouse in San Marcos and provides assistance to veterans and their family or dependents as long as they are county residents.

Services offered include:
  • Disability compensation and other claims;
  • Funds for rent, bills and other necessities;
  • Application assistance for Veteran Affairs health care;
  • Resources for housing assistance and other benefits
The Veterans Treatment Court specializes in the needs of those who have been honorably discharged or are in active service in the military.

The court aims to divert veterans away from the criminal justice system for any behavior linked to physical or emotional injuries sustained during terms of service. However, participation in the veterans court is voluntary.


Prather said veterans assistance is one of his greatest passions, and he, alongside the entirety of the veterans assistance workers, is excited about the funding and everyone it will help.