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The City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs’ mission is to assist Houston in becoming the best city in the nation through unparalleled service to our serving military, veterans, and their families.
Assist veterans of the United States Armed Forces to ensure that neither they, their dependents, nor survivors are denied access to the entitlements promised them by a grateful nation.
Why is Houston such a great place for veterans to live?
- Jobs: Houston has a robust economy and companies are looking to hire veterans. The Oil and Gas Industry, the Port of Houston, the Medical Center, IT firms, Auto Sales and Maintenance, Construction, Banking, the Service Industries, Real Estate and the list goes on. Houston is growing and we are looking to hire veterans. Click on the employment logo for more info.
- Housing: The American Dream of owning a home can easily be realized in the Houston Area. This dream come true can be realized in both NEW and resale homes at affordable prices. Houston has historically had one of the stronger metropolitan markets in the country, mainly due to lower homes prices. Check out http://har.com/ and compare to see for yourself.
- Health Care: A Veterans Affairs Regional Hospital with additional clinics in the local area, Tri-Care providers, US Family Health Plan, a world renown Medical Center (that has veteran hiring programs), Private and Public hospitals and clinics galore.
- Entertainment/Restaurants: Houston, like the military, is a demographic melting pot of diverse cultures and people. So are our food and our entertainment. If you like to eat it…it’s here. Check out this site: http://www.visithoustontexas.com/ to see what I am talking about.
- Patriotism and love of our veterans: We get it. Houston is the second largest provider city for the all volunteer military in America. Over 300,000 veterans call the Greater Houston Area home. We veterans reach out and take care of each other and our community embraces us. And we have lots of connecting services. Just click on the directory in the left hand column to get an idea. Do an internet search of the words “Houston & Veteran” and see what all pops up.
VA Seeks Gulf War Vets Input
Are you an OEF/OIF/OND or 1990-1991 Gulf War Veteran? The Department of Veterans Affairs is working on a new Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry that will include a web-based questionnaire for you to report health concerns, exposures, and more. You may submit comments through August 5, 2013. Go to the Federal Register to learn more about the registry and how to comment. To learn more about airborne hazards and what VA is doing to respond to Veterans' concerns, visit VA's Air Pollutants webpage.
Veterans Gain Advantage When Seeking City Work
In today's battle for jobs, one group of people now has an advantage when applying for work with the city of Houston — military veterans. City Council on Wednesday voted unanimously to support an executive order by Mayor Annise Parker that gives hiring preference to veterans. "All things being equal, if you have a veteran and a non-veteran, you hire the veteran," said Parker, who signed the order on Veterans Day.
The 214 Magazine
The 214 Magazine is debuting its relaunch as an interactive, online magazine.bringing news of the Lone Star Veterans and other veterans around the state to your browser. Flip through it online, download, or even print it off.
As The 214 expands it's horizon, they are on the lookout for contributing writers and columnists. If you have writing experience or want to start, email Membership@LoneStarVeterans.org.
For more info go to: 214 Magazine June Issue
Returning Veterans Initiative
Since June of 2007, when Harris County and the City of Houston joined together to launch the Returning Veteran Initiative (RVI) in an effort to ease the transition home for the thousands of veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq returning to the Greater Houston Area services have consistently improved for our returning heroes.
COHOVA Quick Links
• Mission • Director Bio • Press Links • Links • Military Handbooks • New GI Bill Info • Events Links • Calendar of Events • More News • More Resources • Employment Opportunities • OEF / OIF • Returning Veterans Initiative • Veterans Resource Connection Day (formerly TAP) • VA Health Care Fact Sheets • COHOVA Brochure (.pdf)
About the Director
Prior to assuming duties as the Director of Veterans' Affairs, Buddy Grantham served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County and the Chairman of the Joint Hurricane Community Settlement Task Force.
Contact the COHOVA
Contact: Buddy Grantham
Office of Veterans Affairs
900 Bagby, Public Level
Houston, TX 77002
PHONE: 832.393.0992
Navigating the Road to Services for Returning Veterans
Navigating the Road to Services for Returning Veterans (.pdf)
A comprehensive 60-page resource guide from the Returning Veteran's Initiative of Houston and Harris County that outlines FREE resources and services for active duty, Reserve, National Guard, returning veterans and their families in the Houston area.
Resource Directory for Veterans Facing Homelessness in Houston
For Veterans Facing Homelessness In Houston (.pdf)
A new directory to assist the homeless veterans in assessing the resources available to them in our city has been published by the City of Houston Office of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with community partners.
Veterans Services Survey
The purpose of this survey is to perform an assessment on whether or not the needs of the Veterans in the greater Houston area are met. In addition, the information you provide will assist in identifying areas where services may be limited or lacking.
Calendar of Events
The COHOVA has partnered with the Houston Military Affairs Committee to provide a comprehensive calendar of all local military and veteran events in the Houston area.