FORDYCE, Ark., June 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joe and Violet Brazil enjoy their 1920's era country home, located about 4 miles outside of town.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=19634.
But the couple has been living with extensive hail and rain damage sustained when a storm came through Fordyce, Arkansas, several years ago. Rain leaked through the roof, damaging the wallboard in the living and dining rooms as well as a bedroom.
Mr. Brazil, 75, heard about the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) and visited FBT Bank & Mortgage in Fordyce where he learned he and his wife qualified for the grant program. SNAP is offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through its members, like FBT Bank & Mortgage. The program provides grants to assist income-qualified, special needs homeowners with necessary home repairs and modifications.
Mr. Brazil said that he and his wife, 67, live on a tight monthly income while struggling with major health concerns. She has lupus and he has melanoma.
The $5,000 SNAP grant the couple received went a long way. It provided a new roof, wallboard replacement, and modifications to the back porch.
"It was a blessing that we got this work done," Mr. Brazil said. "We are on a fixed income. It would have been rough if we had to do it ourselves."
Scott Smith, vice president at FBT Bank & Mortgage, said SNAP is designed to help people who may not have another place to turn for critical repairs that affect their well-being.
"This program really is designed for families like Mr. Brazil and his wife," Mr. Smith said. "SNAP grants provide funding for critical repairs that recipients otherwise couldn't afford. The renovations at the Brazil residence will provide a better quality of life -- hopefully for many years to come."
SNAP was established in 2009 by FHLB Dallas and is available through its member institutions. Since its inception, SNAP has awarded more than $6 million in grant funds to 1,260 eligible homeowners. In 2013, FHLB Dallas made available another $1 million in SNAP funds.
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 $31 billion as of March 31, 2013, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 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 photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
