Firearm Storage Initiative [Press Release]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston City Council District C - Firearm Storage Initiative
Release No.: 20240910-01
HOUSTON (Sept. 10, 2024) The Harris County Veteran Services Department (HC VSD) proudly supports efforts by the office of Houston City Council District C (Council Member Abbie Kamin) in providing secure firearm storage options.
The increased options for firearm storage helps veterans and loved ones decrease the chances of suicide during times of crisis. Our program, the “Texas 2 Step” helps veterans and loved ones manage secure storage options and follow-on assistance to help veterans through hard times.
Programs such as “Texas 2 Step” are made possible through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ “SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program” (SPGP).
www.tx2step.org shows details on how secure firearm storage plays a role in the overall strategy for veterans and loved ones to manage stress and trauma through crisis.
www.harrisvets.com provides more resources that helps veterans stabilize their lives in the long term, and connects veterans to Harris County Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) for direct assistance.
https://www.harrisvets.com/crisis shows details on how the SPGP directly assists the Harris County Veterans Services Department with its mission on decreasing veteran suicides in the Harris County and surrounding counties.
Further facts:
Harris County has seen a 32% decrease in veteran suicides from 2022 to 2023.
The HC VSD was newly established in January 2020 with the unanimous support of Harris County Commissioner’s Court, and continues to work directly with veterans to increase the quality of life for Harris County Veterans.
The HC VSD works with many other veteran organizations such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Camp Hope, City of Houston and the Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD.
Harris County Veteran Services Department Executive Director Dave Lewis to members of the press about the Texas 2 Step project that was created to provide solutions for veterans and loved ones who are facing a potential for a suicide crisis.
The Texas 2 Step project is made possible with funding from the Department of Veteran Affairs' SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SPGP).
Houston Council Member Abbie Kamin (Houston City District C) speaks to members of the press on the importance of firearm storage solutions for veterans. Houston District C has funded a significant amount of storage boxes and gun safes to distribute to local gun owners.
The Texas 2 Step project is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant (SPGP).
the SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who joined the Army in 2014 and was a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Known for a life of generosity and kindness to others in need, Fox died by suicide on July 21, 2020, at the age of 25.
This allows us to provide services to our community with the goals of directly helping veterans in need.
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The Harris County Veterans Services Department (HCVSD) is an advocate for veterans and their dependents in Harris County. We welcome returning veteran s of the U.S. Armed forces from all eras as productive members of the greater Harris County by building a strong veteran community.
We provide assistance to veterans and their dependents regarding compensation, pension, medical, educational, insurance, and death benefits. We also assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining important documentation needed to apply for benefits.
Henry Chan
Harris Co. VSD Public Affairs Officer
Email: Henry.Chan.vsd@harriscountytx.gov
Office: (281) 876-6600
Cell: (832) 773-8684
https://www.harrisvets.com