Home of Cancer Survivor Repaired with $5K Grant from BNA Bank, FHLB Dallas
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI – June 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The run-down condition of Ruby Bailey’s house was the last thing on her mind while fighting and beating pancreatic cancer, undergoing surgeries, and losing her sister. She would just cover her home’s old windows and doors with plastic as needed to keep out drafts.
“The doors were so short I had to put something on them to keep the air out,” Ms. Bailey said.
Ms. Bailey, 65, worked for 36 years at a local engine manufacturer. Now retired, she lives on a fixed income and does not have extra resources to make needed home repairs.
“My sister had work done on her house and told me to call Lynda Ford at the city of Tupelo,” Ms. Bailey said. “Ms. Ford came out to see my house and helped me fill out a grant application.”
Ms. Bailey was awarded a $5,000 grant in January through the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and BNA Bank. SNAP is offered by FHLB Dallas through its member institutions, like BNA Bank, to provide grant assistance to income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with home repairs and modifications.
“We have seen the positive impact of the SNAP grant program and how it has helped residents in our community who want to live safely and independently in their own homes,” said Bob Spencer, senior vice president and CFO at BNA Bank. “We are happy that SNAP was available to assist Ms. Bailey.”
Lynda Ford, community development specialist with the city of Tupelo, said Ms. Bailey has benefited from the SNAP grant in tangible ways.
“Thanks to the SNAP grant, we installed ENERGY STAR®-rated windows and insulated exterior doors on Ms. Bailey’s home and painted most of the exterior fascia to prevent rotting,” Ms. Ford said. “She loves her windows and feels sure it will help with her energy bills. She is so grateful for what BNA Bank and FHLB Dallas did for her.”
In 2015, FHLB Dallas will make $1.5 million in SNAP grants available. The first $750,000, offered in January, was snapped up in only 11 days. More than 30 FHLB Dallas member institutions distributed the funds to more than 150 special-needs homeowners across FHLB Dallas’ five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. The second offering of $750,000 will be available to member institutions August 3, 2015.
“SNAP is one of the most sought-after grant programs at FHLB Dallas,” said Greg Hettrick, vice president and director of Community Investment. “Assisting the most vulnerable residents in our District is a priority for us, and SNAP helps accomplish that goal.”
Since SNAP’s inception in 2009, nearly $9.2 million has been awarded in grants through member institutions to assist 1,846 families across FHLB Dallas’ five-state District. In 2014, Mississippi received more than $640,000 in SNAP funding to repair or modify 132 housing units.
About BNA Bank
BNA Bank, established in 1896, is a state-chartered bank with approximately $425 million in assets. BNA’s main office and two branch offices are located in New Albany with another branch located in Myrtle, Mississippi and two in Tupelo and Lee County, Mississippi.
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 $36.9 billion as of March 31, 2015 is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 865 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
Contact:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
www.fhlb.com
(214) 441-8445
