Mississippi Homeowner Receives Grant for Storm-Resistant Roof from FHLB Dallas and RiverHills Bank

FORTIFIED-Designated Roofing Enhances Resiliency Against Severe Weather

VICKSBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ethel Franklin, a resident of a 106-year-old home, now has a new FORTIFIED-designated roof to protect her and her husband from severe weather. The roof, installed using a $14,959 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through its member RiverHills Bank, is designed to withstand severe weather damage.

The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund allocated $10 million this year for homeowners to receive grants up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for new-construction roofs. All grants are awarded through FHLB Dallas financial institution members, including RiverHills Bank.

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, noted the fund’s growing popularity since it launched in 2023 with an initial $1.75 million allocation.

“With the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund, we are investing in resilience. It’s one more tool to help communities to not only rebuild stronger and faster, but also be better prepared for the next storm,” he said.

Mrs. Franklin said the new roof was a blessing for her and her husband, Perry, both 68. Their home was built in 1919, and the leaking roof required a patchwork of repairs over the years. The leaks were so bad that Mrs. Franklin said she had to place six pans near their bedroom to catch the water.

But no more.

“It’s such a good feeling to have the new roof on,” she said. “Now when it rains, I just lay here and listen to the rain.”

David Blackledge, senior vice president at RiverHills Bank, said the bank worked with the city of Vicksburg to help homeowners in need, such as the Franklins, who are aging in place on a limited income and couldn’t afford to replace their roof without the grant.

“The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund is a great way to be a positive influence in the community, and we are thrilled to be able to assist Mr. and Mrs. Franklin,” he said.

FORTIFIED, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is a voluntary program to strengthen homes against severe weather. Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund to learn more about eligibility requirements and application information.

About RiverHills Bank

RiverHills was established in 1890 and serves individuals and businesses through an office in Port Gibson, Madison and two offices in Vicksburg and Oxford. The bank offers a variety of consumer and business financial products and has total assets of more than $421 million as of June 30, 2025. The bank is a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution).

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 $116.1 billion as of June 30, 2025, 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 fhlb.com.