NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI – June 17, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — When a tree fell on the back of her home, Emma Lucille Larry knew she needed help.
Ms. Larry is one of three homeowners on her block in Natchez, Mississippi, that received emergency home repairs this year from the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) provided by the Britton & Koontz Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).
“It was a godsend,” Ms. Larry said. “It really helped me out because I’m on a fixed income.”
Ms. Larry, an active 76-year-old, also helped the city in reaching out to her neighbors who needed assistance with the SNAP application process, said James Johnston, community development director for the city of Natchez.
“She’s a real asset, a real civic-minded individual,” he said. Besides SNAP, Ms. Larry was active in supporting a drainage improvement project on her street and gathered letters of support from her neighbors to promote the project, Mr. Johnston said.
SNAP grants are available through FHLB Dallas member institutions, such as Britton & Koontz Bank, to assist income-qualified, special needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications. Ms. Larry received a $3,950 grant, which provided a new roof for the back portion of her home.
“It’s impossible not to feel good about being able to help someone like Ms. Larry, who is so deserving of this assistance,” said Britton & Koontz Bank President Page Ogden.“SNAP is a program that truly reaches out to homeowners in need. We hope to be involved with it for years to come.”
SNAP was established in 2009 by FHLB Dallas and is available through its member institutions. Since its inception, SNAP has awarded more than $6 million in grant funds to 1,260 eligible homeowners. In 2013, FHLB Dallas made available another $1 million in SNAP grants. Through Britton & Koontz Bank, nine homeowners were assisted by SNAP grants in 2013.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $31 billion as of March 31, 2013, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit the FHLB Dallas website at fhlb.com.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
www.fhlb.com
(214) 441-8445
