San Antonio Area Gains Support for State Veterans Home from Bexar Commissioners

San Antonio too break Ground on First State Veterans Home

San Antonio, Texas – Bexar County Commissioners gave the green light on Tuesday for the construction of a much-needed state veterans home in the city. This decision addresses a meaningful gap in local resources for military personnel who have served the nation.

Addressing a Critical Need for Veterans’ Care

Currently, Texas operates ten state veterans homes throughout the state, but San Antonio, a city with a substantial military presence, lacks its own dedicated facility.The nearest existing home, offering 160 beds, is located in Floresville, presenting a travel burden for many veterans and their families.

Bexar County boasts the largest population of veterans in Texas and the fourth-largest nationwide, numbering approximately 170,000 individuals. This demographic necessitates a localized care option, according to officials.

key supporters Champion the Project

Republican Precinct 3 County Commissioner Grant Moody, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Reserves and a veteran of the Iraq War, was a vocal advocate for the project. “We are Military City USA, and this is a big possibility to serve our veterans in a big way,” moody stated, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate care for those who have served.

Data presented to the Commissioners by the county’s military and veterans services department highlighted a pressing urgency. Over half of the local veteran population is aged 55 or older, and approximately 400 veterans require nursing home-level care each month, putting a strain on existing resources.

Project Details and Funding

County officials have identified a preferred site for the new veterans home: donated county land near the intersection of Loop 1604 and Cagnon Road in Far West Bexar County. Although the project is still in the initial planning stages, estimates place the total cost at around $50 million. Crucially, funding for the construction will come from both state and federal sources, minimizing the financial impact on county taxpayers.

key Fact	detail
Number of Veterans in Bexar county	Approximately 170,000
texas State Veterans Homes	10 statewide (none currently in san Antonio)
Estimated Project Cost	$50 Million
Funding Source	State and federal Government

Did You know? The United States Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that nearly 9 million veterans will be age 65 or older by 2030, increasing the demand for long-term care services.

Pro Tip: Veterans and their families can find facts about available benefits and services at the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs website.

the Growing Need for Veteran Support

The demand for veterans’ homes and long-term care facilities continues to rise nationally, driven by an aging veteran population and the lasting effects of service-related injuries and illnesses. Providing high-quality care for veterans is not only a moral obligation but also an investment in the well-being of communities across the country. Initiatives like the San Antonio veterans home are crucial in addressing this growing need, ensuring that those who have served our nation receive the respect and support they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About the San Antonio Veterans Home

• What is a state veterans home? A state veterans home provides long-term care and support services to eligible veterans,offering a range of medical and personal care options.
• Who is eligible to live in the San Antonio veterans home? Eligibility requirements typically include honorable discharge status, medical need, and residency requirements.
• How will the San Antonio veterans home be funded? The project will be funded through a combination of state and federal resources, with no direct cost to Bexar County taxpayers.
• When is construction expected to begin? Construction is currently in the planning stages, with an estimated start date to be announced by county officials.
• What services will the veterans home provide? The home is expected to offer a comprehensive range of services, including skilled nursing care, assisted living, and rehabilitative therapies.

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Q: What specific actions did the Bexar County Commissioners Court take to support the advancement of the State Veterans Home?

Commissioners Court Approval: A Major Step Forward

On October 14, 2025, the Bexar County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a resolution supporting the development of a new State Veterans Home in the San Antonio metropolitan area. This decision marks a meaningful victory for local veterans’ advocacy groups and represents a crucial step towards addressing the growing need for long-term care facilities specifically tailored to the unique needs of those who have served. The vote followed months of campaigning from veteran organizations and community leaders highlighting the current shortage of veteran care options in South Texas.

Understanding the Need for a State Veterans home

Currently, many Texas veterans seeking long-term care are forced to travel significant distances to access appropriate facilities. This presents logistical challenges for families and can limit veterans’ access to vital support networks. A San Antonio-area State Veterans Home will:

* Reduce Travel Burden: Provide a conveniently located option for veterans and their families in the region.

* Increase Access to Specialized Care: Offer healthcare services specifically designed to address the physical and mental health needs of veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities.

* Foster a Supportive Community: Create a residential environment where veterans can connect with peers who share similar experiences.

* Alleviate Strain on Existing Facilities: Help to address the overcrowding issues at other state Veterans homes across Texas.

Key Details of the Proposed Veterans Home

While the exact location and scope of the project are still under development, preliminary plans suggest a facility capable of accommodating approximately 120-150 residents. Services anticipated to be offered include:

* Skilled Nursing Care: 24/7 medical attention for veterans requiring a high level of care.

* Assisted Living: Support for veterans who need assistance with daily living activities.

* Memory Care: Specialized care for veterans living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

* Rehabilitation Services: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help veterans regain independence.

* Mental Health Services: Counseling and support groups to address the psychological challenges faced by veterans.

Funding and timeline: What to expect

The project is expected to be a collaborative effort between the State of Texas and Bexar County. Funding sources will likely include:

1. State Veterans’ Fund: A dedicated fund established by the Texas Legislature to support veterans’ programs.
2. Federal Grants: Opportunities to secure funding from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
3. Local Contributions: Potential contributions from Bexar County and private donors.

The current estimated timeline for the project is as follows:

* 2025 (Q4): Site selection and preliminary design work.

* 2026: Secure funding and finalize architectural plans.

* 2027-2028: Construction phase.

* 2029: Projected opening date.

Impact on the San Antonio Veteran Community

The establishment of a State Veterans Home in San Antonio will have a profound impact on the local veteran community. Beyond providing much-needed care services, the facility will also:

* Create Job Opportunities: Generate employment opportunities in healthcare, governance, and support services.

* Boost the Local economy: Contribute to economic growth through construction spending and ongoing operational expenses.

* Enhance Community Pride: demonstrate the community’s commitment to supporting those who have served.

Veteran Resources in the san Antonio Area

While the state Veterans Home is still under development, numerous resources are currently available to veterans in the San Antonio area:

* South Texas Veterans Health Care System: Offers extensive medical care, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health services. (https://www.va.gov/south-texas-health-care/)

* Bexar County Veterans Service Office: Provides assistance with benefits claims, employment services, and other resources. (https://www.bexar.org/veterans-service-office/)

* Operation Homefront San Antonio: Offers financial assistance, housing support, and other programs to military families.(https://www.operationhomefront.org/san-antonio)

* Local VFW and American Legion Posts: Provide camaraderie, advocacy, and community service opportunities.

Addressing Common Concerns: FAQs

Q: What level of care will be provided at the Veterans home?

A: The facility will offer a continuum of care, ranging from skilled nursing to assisted living and memory care, ensuring veterans can receive the appropriate level of support based on their individual needs.

Q: Will the Veterans Home be open to all veterans,regardless of their service era?

A: Yes,the facility will be open to veterans who served in any branch of the U.S. military, regardless of their era of service.

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