VLB | Texas Veterans Homes

History of the Texas State Veterans Homes

Texas established a veterans home in Austin in 1887 for its brave and deserving Civil War heroes. This home was closed and the property sold in the early 1960s. Since that time, Texas has lagged behind many other states in participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) State Veterans Home Program. This program grants up to 65 percent of the construction costs to states that agree to build and operate skilled homes for veterans.

In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature authorized construction of four veterans homes in Texas. Senate Bill 1060 was also passed, which authorized the Texas Veterans Land Board to issue revenue bonds for the required 35 percent state matching funds needed to participate in the VA State Veterans Home Program.

Following an intensive search process for host communities, construction on the first two veterans homes began in late 1998. The homes in Temple and Floresville began admissions in December 2000. The homes in Big Spring and Bonham began accepting residents in March and June, 2001, respectively. McAllen opened in July 2005 and El Paso opened in August 2005. Our seventh facility, Amarillo, opened in May 2007. We are working with the VA to open our eighth home in Tyler, Texas, sometime in the summer of 2011.

History Locations and Contacts Services and Amenities Eligibility Criteria Admission Information Application Form Rates and Payment Frequently Asked Questions Donations News & Information Amarillo Veterans Home Big Spring Veterans Home Bonham Veterans Home El Paso Veterans Home Floresville Veterans Home McAllen Veterans Home Temple Veterans Home Texas Veterans Commission Dept. of Veterans Affairs	Contact Us \| VLB Home \| GLO Home \| Site Map \| Search
	History of the Texas State Veterans Homes Texas established a veterans home in Austin in 1887 for its brave and deserving Civil War heroes. This home was closed and the property sold in the early 1960s. Since that time, Texas has lagged behind many other states in participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) State Veterans Home Program. This program grants up to 65 percent of the construction costs to states that agree to build and operate skilled homes for veterans. In 1997, the 75th Texas Legislature authorized construction of four veterans homes in Texas. Senate Bill 1060 was also passed, which authorized the Texas Veterans Land Board to issue revenue bonds for the required 35 percent state matching funds needed to participate in the VA State Veterans Home Program. Following an intensive search process for host communities, construction on the first two veterans homes began in late 1998. The homes in Temple and Floresville began admissions in December 2000. The homes in Big Spring and Bonham began accepting residents in March and June, 2001, respectively. McAllen opened in July 2005 and El Paso opened in August 2005. Our seventh facility, Amarillo, opened in May 2007. We are working with the VA to open our eighth home in Tyler, Texas, sometime in the summer of 2011.
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