-

$22K Grant from FHLB Dallas and First National Bank Texas Helps Central Texas Veteran Repair Roof and Restore Safety

Program Assists Disabled Military Veterans and Gold Star Families with Housing Needs

KILLEEN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A Killeen, Texas, Army veteran and his family are now living in a safer, more secure home thanks to a $22,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and First National Bank Texas (FNBT). The grant, awarded through the Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) program, funded critical repairs to the veteran’s roof and siding—restoring not just the structure, but the family’s sense of stability and peace of mind.

Representatives from both banks joined Derek Gonzalez and his family at their home today to celebrate the grant during a ceremonial check presentation.

“I’m grateful to FNBT and FHLB Dallas for their support,” said Mr. Gonzalez, who served in the U.S. Army. “Programs like this make a real difference in the lives of veterans. This grant didn’t just repair my home; it gave me peace of mind and reminded me that there are people and institutions who truly care about those who’ve served.”

HAVEN provides grants for home modifications, housing construction and homebuyer down payment assistance to help veterans, reservists and service members who have a service-related disability. It can also be used by Gold Star Families. Grants are made available through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions participating in the program.

“We are honored to support a local veteran and his family through the HAVEN grant program,” said April Niswonger, FNBT’s Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement. “Supporting those who have served our country is a responsibility we take to heart and it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work is helping veterans like Mr. Gonzalez live more comfortably and securely.”

In 2025, FHLB Dallas allocated $1 million for the HAVEN program—more than triple the $300,000 allocated in 2024—reflecting a growing commitment to support more veterans and their families.

“We’re proud to stand behind veterans and their families to ensure they can continue to live safely and comfortably in the neighborhoods they’ve helped protect,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “By supporting a wide range of housing needs, the HAVEN grant helps preserve housing affordability and long-term community stability.”

Learn more about the HAVEN program.

About First National Bank Texas

First National Bank Texas (FNBT) and its divisions First Convenience Bank, First Community Mortgage and First Heros National Bank, remain dedicated to building strong financial futures for our customers, employees and the communities that we serve. Our bank was originally founded in 1901 in the Central Texas town of Killeen, only 19 years after the city was established. From our humble beginnings, we have grown to over $4.5 billion in assets and now operate over 350 branches located throughout Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico.

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 $112.2 billion as of September 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.

Contacts

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

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas


Release Versions

Contacts

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

More News From Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

FHLB Dallas and Community Bank of Mississippi Award $150K Grant to Mission First Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Community Bank of Mississippi (Community Bank), awarded a $150,000 Pathway Fund grant to Mission First Inc. (Mission First) to help expand services to accessible, affordable legal aid in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties in Mississippi. The grant, awarded today during a ceremonial check presentation at Community Bank’s offices in Jackson, Mississippi, will help Mission First assist homeowner...

$150K Grant from FHLB Dallas and Community Bank of Mississippi to Assist North Mississippi Rural Legal Services to Help Homeowners Resolve Property Titles

TUPELO, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Community Bank of Mississippi, awarded a $150,000 Pathway Fund grant to North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS) to help address homeownership title issues. “This funding will allow us to reach more people who otherwise would have no access to legal help,” said Ben Thomas Cole II, executive director of NMRLS. NMRLS is a nonprofit that provides civil legal representation to low-income hom...

Mississippi Center for Legal Services Receives $150K Grant from FHLB Dallas and Community Bank of Mississippi to Support Housing Stability and Legal Aid

HATTIESBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mississippi families will have a better chance to keep their homes and land thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Community Bank of Mississippi to the Mississippi Center for Legal Services (MCLS). The funding will provide critical legal assistance to low-income residents struggling with heirs’ property issues, which occur when property lacks a clear title. ”This grant will allow us to expand our outreach,” sai...
Back to Newsroom