U.S. Army veteran Georgianna Gaston served her country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, but nothing could prepare her for the devastation Hurricane Ida brought to her doorstep in 2021. Her home sustained major damage, and sheetrock, cabinets and flooring had to be replaced.  

Then came another blow: Her insurance company declared bankruptcy, leaving repairs unfinished and her home in limbo. 

For four long years, Ms. Gaston lived with uncertainty and unfinished repairs.  

Her turning point was receiving a $25,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).  

HAVEN provides grants for home modifications, housing construction and homebuyer down payment assistance to help veterans, reservists and service members who have a service-related disability. It can also be used by Gold Star Families. 

The grants are provided through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions participating in the program. In this case, the grant was awarded through Woodforest National Bank. 

The grant funded a FORTIFIED roof designed to withstand future storms, new exterior siding and interior sheetrock. 

“This grant didn’t just repair walls, it restored peace of mind,” Ms. Gaston said. “After years of waiting, I can finally breathe again.” 

Now she wants other veterans to know that help is out there through the HAVEN program. 

“The help is out there, Accept the help,” she said.