$15K Grant From FHLB Dallas and FBT Bank & Mortgage Helps Arkansas Veteran Make Essential Home Repairs

Funding Assists Disabled Military Service Members, Veterans and Gold Star Families

BEARDEN, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. Army Reserve veteran Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jeffery Darrough, who served 26 years, including tours in Iraq and Kuwait, received a $15,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) to fund significant repairs in his longtime home. The grant was provided through FBT Bank & Mortgage, an FHLB Dallas member institution.

Mr. Darrough, 59, first connected with FHLB Dallas and FBT Bank & Mortgage in 2021, when he received a $10,000 HAVEN grant that enabled him to complete major home improvements such as installing new flooring and plumbing.

Now 59, Mr. Darrough noticed that parts of his home once again needed attention. His shower floor had begun to sink, making it unsafe to use. The central HVAC unit was more than 25 years old and increasingly unreliable. With help from the latest HAVEN grant, Mr. Darrough rebuilt the shower and installed a new HVAC unit.

“I was delighted when I learned the grant was approved,” said Mr. Darrough. “The new shower has made everyday life easier and safer, and the new HVAC unit gives us comfort year-round. HAVEN helped me in 2021, and it helped me again when I needed it most. I’m very appreciative of what FHLB Dallas and FBT Bank & Mortgage do for veterans.”

HAVEN provides grants for home modifications, new construction or down payment assistance to help veterans, reservists and active-duty service members with service-related disabilities. It can also be used by Gold Star Families. Grants are awarded through participating FHLB Dallas member financial institutions, like FBT Bank & Mortgage.

“Serving veterans is a privilege, and HAVEN allows us to directly support those who have given so much,” said FBT Bank & Mortgage Assistant Vice President Daniel Pledger. “Mr. Darrough’s story demonstrates how important it is to have resources that veterans can turn to when challenges come up. We’re grateful to work with FHLB Dallas to make that support possible.”

FHLB Dallas allocated $1 million for HAVEN grants in 2026, with the funding distributed in two rounds. The next funding round of $500,000 opens July 1, 2026.

“FHLB Dallas stands firmly beside our nation’s veterans, ensuring they have access to the housing support they need,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Whether it’s a home purchase, a home repair or supporting Gold Star Families, the HAVEN program can be a reliable source of assistance for veterans throughout their homeownership journey.”

HAVEN grants are provided only through FHLB Dallas members. FHLB Dallas does not provide grants directly to consumers. Learn more about the HAVEN program.

About FBT Bank & Mortgage

FBT Bank & Mortgage is a full-service bank established in 1931. Now operating in five locations, FBT Bank and Mortgage is focused on the communities it serves, offering state-of-the-art products and services while delivering personalized attention to customers. To learn more, go to fbtbank.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 $97.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 780 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.