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Bexar County veterans program reports $278,000 in direct financial aid and expands peer‑support services
Summary
The county’s Department of Military and Veterans Services reported results from two Texas Veterans Commission grants: about $278,000 awarded in direct financial assistance and $300,000 in peer‑support programming; both grants were renewed for the next grant period.
Bexar County presented an end‑of‑year report Aug. 19 on two Texas Veterans Commission grants that the county used to provide financial assistance and peer‑support services to veterans and military families. Keith Wilson, director of the county Department of Military and Veterans Services, told the court the department initially received $300,000 for general financial assistance and later received a $125,000 supplemental award; after operating costs, about $315,000 remained for direct assistance and the department disbursed roughly $278,000.
Wilson reported the distribution of financial assistance by category: about 69% (roughly $187,000) went to housing assistance (rent/mortgage arrears, security deposits, and first/second month rent), about 22% (roughly $60,000) to utilities (power, water, septic, phone, Internet) and approximately 10% to transportation and vehicle repair. He said the funds helped prevent evictions and restore utilities. The program served 1,955 family units and 286 eligible recipients, with the majority from post‑9/11 service eras.
The county’s peer‑support grant awarded $300,000 to fund peer groups, outings and in‑jail programming; Wilson described activities ranging from equine‑assisted therapy to group sessions inside the county jail. The program served 201 clients across eras of service and added staff after demand exceeded capacity. Wilson highlighted clients who had sustained progress — for example, a veteran who filed a successful VA disability claim with program assistance and another who reconnected to community and became a peer leader.
Wilson said the Texas Veterans Commission renewed both grants in May 2025: $425,000 for financial assistance and $300,000 for peer support, with the renewals structured as 14‑month grants. Commissioner Cowen moved to accept the report and the court approved the motion. Commissioners praised the department’s partnerships — including the San Antonio Coalition for Veterans and Families — and asked staff to continue re‑applying for and coordinating grant funds.
