With temperatures rising well into the high 90s, Edward Montemayor, 58, knows all too well the intensity of Texas summer heat. He lived without air conditioning for several weeks in the middle of a hot summer. But he was able to cool down when his air conditioning unit was replaced thanks to a $7,000 Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). 

Mr. Montemayor worked in management until he and his wife, Michelle Perez, lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of lost wages, they were unable to fund home repairs. The pair reached out for help when the Texas summer heat made the home unbearably hot without a working air conditioning unit.

Mr. Montemayor learned about SNAP through a sign in his neighbor’s yard. He asked the neighbor about the SNAP grant and called Veritex Community Bank to apply. He was awarded $7,000 to replace his air conditioning unit.

“We are very humbled and very blessed. I can’t say enough about what this means to us,” said Mr. Montemayor. “The funds were almost too good to be true. There are not enough words to express our gratitude.”

SNAP, like all FHLB Dallas programs, is offered through FHLB Dallas member institutions. Mr. Montemayor received his funds through Veritex Community Bank. SNAP provides grants for the repair and modifications of owner-occupied housing of eligible, special-needs individuals, such as the elderly, disabled and those living with HIV/AIDS. 

“We are honored to aid community members such as Mr. Montemayor during difficult times,” said Melanie Goodman, Community Reinvestment Act officer at Veritex Community Bank.

SNAP has funded everything from roof and HVAC replacements to installing wheelchair ramps and widening doorways for accessibility.

“SNAP allows us to efficiently work with our members to make an impact within the community,” said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

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