Gov. Greg Abbott joined the Texas Veterans Commission in Harlingen on Tuesday to award more than $5 million in grants to 21 organizations serving South Texas veterans and their families.

The grants are part of the TVC's Grants Across Texas Tour, which highlights organizations across the state putting grant funding to work for Texas veterans and their families. The funding will expand access to critical services for an estimated 2,827 veterans, according to a news release.

Rio Grande Valley organizations received more than $2 million of the total funding. The money will go toward housing and mental health services for veterans.

"Texas ranks number one in America when it comes to veteran services, and those who answer the nation's call deserve the very best the state has to offer," Gov. Abbott said. "These grants will expand access to critical services for thousands of veterans and their families, including meals, housing, job training, financial assistance, and a whole lot more."

Hidalgo County Veteran Service Officer Samuel Perez, Jr. said his team works directly with veterans to identify their needs.

"We meet the veterans, we see the needs, and we walk into their homes so the state trusts us in distributing this money because we see who it needs to go to," Perez said.

Funding for the grants comes primarily from Texas Lottery games designated for veteran support.

Grant recipients in the region include Cameron County, which received $400,000 for financial assistance. The City of Harlingen received $275,000 for housing and $200,000 for financial assistance.

Hidalgo County received $400,000 for housing, $200,000 for non-clinical mental health services, and $400,000 through the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency for financial assistance. Willacy County received $150,000 for financial assistance.