Centex Vet Rides program offers transportation for veterans

May 15, 2025

By Michelle Rodriguez

Belton Journal

The CenTex Vet Ride program serves veterans, active duty, National Guard, Resesrve, and their families and is funded by the Texas Veteran Commission (TVC) through the Central Texas Council of Governments (CT-COG).

"The program provides transportation for veterans and their dependents to medical appointments, as well as federal, state, and local government offices, plus other destinations in support of basic needs," said Jim Halbrook, Public Affairs Officer for TVC.

Funding for these grants is generated primarily by the Texas Lottery Commission's games designated for veteran support. People can also donate when registering their vehicles or when getting a hunting or fishing license.

"We provide grants through commissioners to local organizations that provide direct services. CTCOG is a current grantee. They were awarded up to $300,000 for a grant that supports rides for veterans in seven counties, to include Bell, Coryell, Hamilton, Lampasas, Milam, Mills, and San Saba," said Joanna Orozco, Operations Manager for fund for Veteran's Assistance at the Texas Veterans Commission.

The TVC partners with organizations to coordinate for veteran appointments. There are 37 varying types of services for veterans. There is a directory online.

"When veterans, active duty, and tehir families go to the directory, they find waht service they are looking for along with the description of services and contact information. There's also Housing for Texas Heros and Community in Service," said Orozco.

Veterans can find assistance from organizations in the directory at https://tvc.texas.gov/directory/directory-category/grants.

“The directory can be set to find services by county. Users should know that some organizations provide service statewide. So, for example, if one looks for a service in Bell County and the organization is listed as in Houston, it’s a statewide service with HQ in Houston,” said Halbrook.

Other organizations funded by TVC for transportation programs and services in Bell County include Camp Shield (After Military Service), Catholic Charities of Centex, Community Learning Center, Endeavors, Heros Resource Center (Heros Night Out), Hope for Warriors, Houston Area Urban League, Texas National Guard Family Support Foundation, and USA Cares.

The Central Texas Aging Disability and Veterans Resource Center in partnership with The HOP will utilize the Micro Transit Ride Share system for the TVC grant.

The eligibility for veterans includes veteran, veteran spouse, unmarried widow, veteran dependent children under the age of 18, and dependent with documented disability over 18 years old, and must be a resident of Texas.

To qualify for the program, contact 254-770- 2342 or 1-855-937-2342.