Killeen to seek VOCA funding to continue crisis victim assistance; staff seeks authority to apply

The Killeen Police Department asked the City Council on Feb. 3 to authorize submission of a fiscal year 2027 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant to continue the city’s crisis assistance program for victims of violent crime.

Chief Lopez told the council the victims assistance office initiated the application process after the governor’s office moved up the deadline. Staff said the grant would fund a victims clerk, professional counseling services, emergency financial assistance and temporary shelter services. Chief Lopez said staff will request $100,000 in local matching funds and asked the council to authorize the city manager or executive director of finance to submit, modify or cancel the application as necessary.

Councilmember Kendrick asked whether funds could cover temporary hotel stays and relocation assistance; Chief Lopez confirmed VOCA funds do provide temporary shelter and other emergency assistance. On the record, Chief Lopez also said that last year the two victims clerks assisted more than 2,100 victims, an increase over 2024, which staff cited as evidence of need.

The matter was included in the consent agenda and approved as part of the consent vote; consent items passed 6-0. The council’s consent approval authorizes staff to proceed with the grant application and to commit required matching funds if the grant is awarded.

Next steps: staff will file the application (application number referenced by staff as 3597608) and return to council if any modifications to the application or matching‑fund commitments are required.