Special-Needs Grant Ramps Up Mobility for Wheelchair-Bound Homeowner
RAYVILLE, La., June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lula Mae Robinson, 78, was always self-reliant, raising nine children mostly on her own. She previously worked at a garment factory and later in a cafeteria. But now, Ms. Robinson is confined to a wheelchair because of a spinal disease. When the existing wheelchair ramp began falling apart, she knew she needed to ask for help.
Then Ms. Robinson's son, Calvin, heard about a program that might help his mother —the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through its member institutions, like Community Trust Bank. The program provides grants to assist income-qualified, special-needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications.
"I built a ramp for her seven or eight years ago, but it was deteriorating," Mr. Robinson said. "The kitchen floor was also weak, and we didn't want her chair to fall through." He said he knew of Community Trust Bank and Vice President Shelia Grayson, which gave him confidence in the program.
Ms. Grayson, who assisted Ms. Robinson with her SNAP application, said she is proud of her bank's involvement in the program.
"Community Trust Bank is about people and helping people," Ms. Grayson said. "Our partnership with FHLB Dallas on the SNAP grants has enabled us to reach beyond our bank walls to help those in need. This is what I enjoy most about being a community banker."
Ms. Robinson was awarded a $5,000 SNAP grant, which paid to repair her floors and construct a new wheelchair ramp. Her son said his mother is very happy about the floors.
"Momma is the type of person who is really appreciative," he said. "She cooked breakfast for the contractors the first morning they came. The second time they came, they asked for breakfast again, and she cooked them breakfast that day, too."
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. 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 funding round of $750,000 will be made available to member institutions beginning August 3, 2015.
Greg Hettrick, vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said SNAP has helped countless residents in the Bank's five-state District.
"The SNAP grant program helps fulfill FHLB Dallas' mission of facilitating affordable housing," said Mr. Hettrick. "It is rewarding to see how life-changing the program has been throughout the District."
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.
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
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SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
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