- August 28, 2025
- Greg Hettrick
Rebuilding Hope: Three Ways Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Helps Communities Recover
As we mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina—one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history—we’re reminded of the long road to recovery and the importance of standing by our communities. With that in mind, here are three ways the DRA program is helping homeowners and financial institutions rebuild stronger, safer communities.
1. Direct Help for Homeowners in Disaster Areas
Starting September 2, we’re making $2 million in grant funding available through our member financial institutions to help homeowners repair or rebuild homes damaged by natural disasters. This is the final allocation of the $4 million we committed to the DRA program in 2025 under our Affordable Housing Program.
These grants are available to homeowners in federally declared disaster areas across our five-state District: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas—a region frequently impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.
DRA grants are designed to support low- to moderate-income homeowners, specifically those earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income. This ensures that the most at-risk families—those who may not have the resources to recover on their own—get the help they need.
For example, earlier this year, a homeowner in New Orleans received a $14,000 grant to replace a roof damaged by Hurricane Ida. That’s the kind of impact DRA is making, one family at a time.
3. Partnering with Local Nonprofits
Homeowners can apply for DRA grants through participating FHLB Dallas member financial institutions. Many of our members also work with nonprofit intermediaries who help identify eligible homeowners and guide them through the application process. These groups are often very knowledgeable about who is in need of aid.
The application process is simple, and funds are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. With five FEMA-declared disasters in our District already this year, we expect demand to be high, so we encourage early applications.
Let’s Rebuild Together
Our member institutions can apply for DRA funding until November 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. If you’re a homeowner in a qualifying area, check out our participating members list and reach out today. Learn more about the program at fhlb.com.
Disasters may test our resilience, but they also reveal our strength. Together, with the help of programs like DRA, we can rebuild homes, restore communities and renew hope in disaster-stricken areas.
Greg Hettrick is senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.
