$15K from Home Bank and FHLB Dallas Gives Air Force Veteran Fresh Start

Grant Funded Repair of Hurricane Damage to Her Home

U.S. Air Force veteran Jaresha Miles can rest easy in her home thanks to a $15,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from Home Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).

HAVEN provides grants through FHLB Dallas member institutions such as Home Bank to veterans and active-duty, reserve or National Guard service members who have been disabled in the line of duty since August 2, 1990. Funds can be used for modifications to an existing home, to offset construction costs, or assist with down payments and closing costs. In addition, the funds may be used to assist Gold Star Families that were impacted during this timeframe.

With the HAVEN funds, Ms. Miles was able to make critical repairs to her home, which was damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021. Previously, she was unable to make repairs due to her insurance company’s bankruptcy.

“This grant has really helped me,” she said. “I went from a deep depression to being so grateful,” she said. She credits Community Development Director and Senior Vice President Kelvin Luster at Home Bank for a smooth application and review process.

“Mr. Luster treated me like family,” she said. “No matter how frustrated I got, he was always there for me. He was amazing. I’ve never gotten that kind of service from anyone.”

Mr. Luster was the driving force that helped Ms. Miles through the entire loan process.

“It’s so rewarding to be able to help our veterans who have served our country,” said Mr. Luster. “HAVEN can really make a difference in someone’s life.”

Ms. Miles, 35, who served as a staff sergeant in a medical unit, retired because of a disability. She calls her military brethren her family. “They are like brothers and sisters,” she said. “They always have your back — no matter what.”

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, stressed the importance of the HAVEN program.

“Our veterans gave so much to this country,” he said. “We are proud to support them.”

About Home Bank, N.A.

Home Bank, N.A., founded in 1908 as Home Building & Loan, is the oldest financial institution founded in Lafayette Parish. Home Bank now serves markets in South Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas in 43 locations. Home Bank is committed to serving the needs in their communities. Personal banking has always been Home Bank’s trademark and that tradition continues as they grow, invest, and serve their clients and community. Every day, the Home Bank team lives out their values, focusing on integrity, innovation and a commitment to serving others. For more information about Home Bank, visit www.home24bank.com.

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 $181.2 billion as of March 31, 2023, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit our website at fhlb.com.

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