SNAP Grant Helps Former Truck Driver Fix His Home for the Long Haul

ATKINS, Ark., April 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Retired long-haul truck driver Kenneth Hinkston, 62, has had his lower back fused, a metal rod put in his neck, and screws in his right ankle from "years of sitting and being pounded going across the road." When his home needed repairs, he was limited by finances and physical ability. Through Universal Housing Development Corporation, Mr. Hinkston learned about the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).

SNAP grants are offered by FHLB Dallas through member institutions to assist income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications.

"We had three roofs on the house. The first was put on when the house was built in 1961," Mr. Hinkston said. "They just kept putting roofs on top of the others." A $5,000 SNAP grant covered the cost of a new roof and new siding.

Kim Miller with Universal Housing Development Corporation helped Mr. Hinkston complete the SNAP application and put documents together for River Town Bank, an FHLB Dallas member institution.

"His roof was in terrible shape. The decking was replaced, and it was re-shingled. Some of the siding on his house had also rotted, and insulation was showing," said Ms. Miller, adding that installing the siding made a tremendous difference. "He was so proud with just the roof. But the siding made it look wonderful. I don't think you could have handed him a gold bar, and he'd have been any happier."

Mr. Hinkston agreed that his home has been transformed. "Every time we drive up, it surprises my wife and me," he said. "We really do appreciate everything that has been done for us."

In 2015, FHLB Dallas will make $1.5 million in SNAP grants available. The first $750,000 was snapped up in only 11 days in January. The funds will be used to assist more than 150 families across FHLB Dallas' five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. The grants were distributed through more than 30 FHLB Dallas member institutions, including River Town Bank.

"River Town Bank is committed to supporting our community and the many deserving customers we serve," said Diann Graves, AVP/credit administrator. "This is one of many gratifying stories of how SNAP funds have made real differences for people in Arkansas."

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. So far in 2015, SNAP grants totaling more than $34,000 have been awarded through River Town Bank to assist eight recipients in Arkansas.  

"FHLB Dallas is pleased to provide support in this way," said Greg Hettrick, vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Through our members, we see the positive impact SNAP funding has on some of their most vulnerable residents."

About River Town Bank

In 1934, River Town Bank opened under the name of Bank of Dardanelle. Under the leadership of local hometown bankers, the bank has grown to include branch offices in Dardanelle, Russellville, Danville, Atkins, Dover, and Conway, Arkansas. On August 14, 2006, Bank of Dardanelle changed its name to River Town Bank. Although the name changed, the bank has continued to be one of the few locally owned and operated banks in the area. This name change reflects the bank's commitment to ensure quality service to all communities in our service area, regardless of the location.

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 $38 billion as of December 31, 2014, 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 fhlb.com.

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