Army National Guard veteran David Balderas can rest easy in his repaired home, thanks to a $10,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant.

Mr. Balderas became disabled while serving in Iraq between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Balderas was an aircraft mechanic who troubleshot and repaired helicopter engines until he was physically unable to. Mr. Balderas’ duties included climbing up and down helicopters until ligament damage to his shoulders and knees, coupled with back pain, made that impossible. He now occasionally uses a cane to walk.

His 1950s home had significant foundation issues, the HAVEN grant helped fund foundation repairs.

“This grant was unexpected, and it saved us. The foundation was in really bad condition, and we lost thousands of dollars in the process of trying to repair it,” Mr. Balderas said. “I don’t know where we would be without this assistance.”

HAVEN provides grants to veterans and active-duty, reserve or national guard service members who have been disabled in the line of duty since August 2, 1990. Funds may also be used to assist Gold Star Families. Each household may receive up to $20,000 toward repairs.

Mr. Balderas’ grant, like all FHLB Dallas funding, was disbursed through one of its members – First National Bank of Texas (FNBT).

April Niswonger, assistant vice president at FNBT, said helping veterans is one of FNBT’s priorities.

“We understand the challenges our military personnel face when transitioning back to civilian life, and we want to do everything we can to support them,” said FNBT Assistant Vice President April Niswonger.

Learn more about HAVEN.

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