HOUSTON, Sept. 21, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Two years is a long time to wait to replace a leaky roof, especially after an intense storm. That is how long 81-year-old Cora Green was on the waiting list after submitting her application to a local nonprofit that helps low-income seniors make repairs to their homes.
But, thanks to a grant program from Green Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), Rebuilding Together-Houston was able to replace Ms. Green's roof.
"I had been on the Rebuilding Together-Houston waiting list for two years," said Ms. Green, who added that her roof had been leaking for three or four years. "It was raining in my bedroom and I just couldn't wait any more when I put in my application two years ago. But there weren't any funds available. Then they called me and said, 'we just got some money in.'"
Ms. Green has lived in her home for more than 50 years and worked as a nurse's aide, but when her husband became sick she had to quit her job to care for him. Following his death about 15 years ago, it was tough to keep up with the repairs on her aging home while living on a fixed income.
Rebuilding Together-Houston, a nonprofit community outreach program, uses Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grants distributed by FHLB Dallas through member institutions, such as Green Bank in Houston, to renovate and repair homes for elderly citizens who cannot physically or financially make improvements.
Rebuilding Together-Houston has 450 to 600 residents on its waiting list, all biding their time and holding out for repairs.
"There are so many elderly citizens in Harris County who need help improving their living conditions," said Jennifer Touchet, executive director of Rebuilding Together-Houston. "We want them to be safe and proud of their homes."
The repairs don't cost the homeowners, thanks to the SNAP grants. SNAP grants are made available through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions, such as Green Bank, to assist income-qualified, special needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications. In 2012, FHLB Dallas made $1.35 million in SNAP grants available through its members. More than $47,000 in SNAP grants has been awarded through Green Bank in 2012 to assist 11 families with necessary home repairs and modifications.
The $5,000 SNAP grants available through the program are one of the ways Rebuilding Together-Houston is able to assist very low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, including veterans. SNAP funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.
"I appreciate the help so much and thank everyone who was involved," Ms. Green said. "I had been waiting so long that I had given up. I am so grateful that it is not raining in my house anymore."
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $34.7 billion as of June 30, 2012, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to more than 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit the FHLB Dallas website at fhlb.com.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3013