• May 18, 2018

Funding for Light Pole and Siding Provided by Home Bank and FHLB Dallas

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, May 18, 2018 – Siding that had rotted was a long-term problem for homeowner Annie K. Dee but her fixed income didn't stretch far enough to replace it.

Ms. Dee, 77, had spent most of her working life as a housekeeper and worked as a caregiver for the elderly. Now retired, she said the rotted siding had been a persistent problem for about six years. There was also a broken light pole outside of her home that was cobbled together with two chains.

"I wasn't able to fix the pole or replace the siding on my own," she said. "It was just too expensive."

Ms. Dee said she read about the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and member institutions in her local newspaper and decided to apply. Awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, SNAP grants provide funding for the repair and rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing of eligible, special-needs individuals, who can qualify for the grants based on age, disabilities, income and other eligibility standards.

Ms. Dee received a $4,762 SNAP grant from Home Bank and FHLB Dallas. She applied for the funds with the help of the city of Natchez's Planning and Community Development department.

"SNAP has helped many Natchez residents, especially the elderly and disabled, to be able to continue to live independently in their own homes," said Mayor Darryl V. Grennell. "Without the SNAP program and our partner banks we would not have been able to provide this assistance to residents in need."

The funding provided for the removal and replacement of masonite siding on the front and north sides of her house, which was then painted to match the rest of her home. The grant also allowed for upgrade of electrical service and a new pole to increase the electrical current to 200 amperage (AMPs) from 100 AMPs, more commonly seen in modern homes.

Home Bank Vice President and CRA Officer Brandon Kelly said SNAP has been a reliable and trusted funding source from FHLB Dallas to help homeowners in need.

"SNAP is focused on housing repairs that impact the health and safety of our residents," Mr. Kelly said. "And that really drives home how important it has been to us and our community."

Since SNAP's inception in 2009, more than $13.1 million has been awarded in grants through FHLB Dallas' member institutions to assist more than 2,600 families across FHLB Dallas' five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. The $2 million in 2018 SNAP funding, made available in January on a first-come, first-served basis, has been exhausted.

Greg Hettrick, FHLB Dallas first vice president and director of Community Investment, said SNAP is a valuable community investment tool utilized by members to positively impact the community and provide value to their customers.

"Home Bank has been a positive influence on Natchez through its commitment to the community," said Mr. Hettrick. "Through its support and use of SNAP funding, Home Bank has helped many elderly and special needs residents improve their quality of life."

To learn more about SNAP, visit fhlb.com/snap.

About Home Bank

With 39 locations across South Louisiana and Western Mississippi, Home Bank is committed to serving the needs of its communities. Personal banking has always been Home Bank's trademark, and that tradition continues as the company grows, invests and serves its clients and community. For more information about Home Bank, visit www.home24bank.com.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $65.1 billion as of March 31, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community investment by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

Contact Information:

Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
fhlb.com
214.441.8445