Center Offering New Hope to the Homeless Will Benefit from $20K in Partnership Grants

PARIS, Texas, Sept. 24, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New Hope Center of Paris received a total of $20,000 in Partnership Grant Program (PGP) awards today from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), and its member institutions, First Federal Community Bank and Liberty National Bank. The funds will be used to cover operational expenses and for finish-out of the Center's new thrift store, slated to open in late 2015 or early 2016.

Today's presentation follows up on the New Hope Center's first $20,000 in PGP awards in 2013 from the same financial institutions. In addition, the Center received an Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant in 2004, which allowed the Center to provide transitional housing for the homeless, a mission that continues today.

The New Hope Center provides long-term transitional housing for up to two years, a short-term emergency shelter, and support services for homeless citizens of Paris and Lamar County.

"In these challenging economic times, it is great to see a community come together to support such a worthwhile organization as the New Hope Center of Paris," said Paris Mayor Dr. Arjumand Hashmi.  "The generosity shown by our local banks and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas confirms that people really do care about women, children, and families. This $20,000 partnership grant will go a long way in providing services to those who are truly in need."

One of the Center's success stories is Dee Fisher. Before coming to the Center in July 2014, she was living on the streets and suffering from substance abuse. "I'm almost 60 years old," she said. "I was to a point where I was going to die if I stayed out there any longer."

Now, Ms. Fisher works part-time as a Resident Assistant (RA), having moved out of the shelter to live on her own in June. "I've always wanted to be a 'house mother,' and that's exactly what I'm doing as an RA," she said. "I'm just so glad to be able to help and give back."

State Senator Kevin Eltife has seen the positive impact the Center has had on his district.

"Congratulations to New Hope Center for receiving this well-deserved grant," Senator Eltife said. "More families in crisis will be able to get their lives back on track due to the generosity of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, its members, and the excellent work done by New Hope."

U.S. Census figures showed that more than 24,000 people lived in Paris in 2014, with more than 27 percent of them living below the poverty level. The 2013 poverty level in Texas was 17.5 percent, the latest statewide Census data available.

First Federal Community Bank President Dick Amis expressed his gratitude for the community work accomplished through the New Hope Center.

"Our bank is all about housing, be it owner-occupied, traditional house loans, multifamily apartments, and also temporary housing, as provided by New Hope," Mr. Amis said. "We take pride in being able to leverage our membership in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, along with our friends at Liberty National Bank, in being able to come together and make a significant contribution to New Hope's mission."

Gay Ballew, executive director of the New Hope Center, said the PGP grant is a much-appreciated gift, as work continues on the new thrift shop.

"We've had some construction challenges, where we had to go back and redo some things," she said. "I prayed that we would be able to finish this project. The money came in at just the right time, so we can get the thrift store done right. We are so thankful to everyone for these grants."

PGP awards provide grants up to $12,000 to community-based organizations (CBOs).The funds may be used for research, organizational capacity-building, grant- and funding-application assistance, or contractual services. Through the PGP awards, FHLB Dallas matches a member's contribution to a CBO of $500 up to $4,000 at a 3:1 ratio. The grants are offered once a year through FHLB Dallas members. In 2015, FHLB Dallas awarded $225,000 in PGP funds to support 25 organizations. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

Liberty National Bank President Carl Cecil shared words of commitment for the city of Paris and Lamar County. "We understand the importance of supporting the community," he said. "We try to do our part and give back, both through our financial support and in volunteering. Liberty National is honored to make this donation with First Federal Community Bank and FHLB Dallas."

Greg Hettrick, vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the PGP awards are specifically designed to cover costs that are usually not allowed by other grants.

"Our members told us about community organizations that faced difficulties from funding limitations. The PGP helps to alleviate these types of gaps and better serve nonprofits, like the New Hope Center of Paris, which we are honored to again support with Liberty National Bank and First Federal Community Bank."

Ms. Fisher, who just one short year ago didn't know where to turn, now has a new lease on life.

"They've given me my life back. I came from living on the streets. They gave me a place to live and a way to get back on my feet," she said. "And it's not just any way of life, it's a Christian way of life. They teach you how to live again."

About First Federal Community Bank
First Federal Community Bank serves Northeast Texas as a community bank, providing the highest level of banking services in a way that enriches the lives of the people in the area and improves the quality of life for all.

About Liberty National Bank
Liberty National Bank is a full-service community bank serving the financial and civic needs of the greater Red River Valley. In addition to three banking locations in the City of Paris, Liberty makes available to its customers the most convenient and up-to-date banking services.  Liberty National Bank enjoys the reputation of being one of the strongest and financially sound banks in the state.

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 $42.6 billion as of June 30, 2015, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 865 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information.

Contact:
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
www.fhlb.com 
(214) 441-8445

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SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

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