U.S. Army veteran Robert Bray, who served overseas in Iraq, Kosovo and Kuwait, received a $24,737 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) to fund significant repairs to his storm-damaged Bossier City, Louisiana, home. The grant was provided through Bonvenu Bank, an FHLB Dallas member institution.

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Army veteran Robert Bray, third from left, and Michael Colston, right, of Bonvenu Bank, with supporters outside Mr. Bray’s home where major repairs were completed with a $24,737 HAVEN grant from FHLB Dallas, provided through Bonvenu Bank.

Army veteran Robert Bray, third from left, and Michael Colston, right, of Bonvenu Bank, with supporters outside Mr. Bray’s home where major repairs were completed with a $24,737 HAVEN grant from FHLB Dallas, provided through Bonvenu Bank.

After two severe hailstorms left Mr. Bray’s roof and siding heavily damaged, the repairs became especially challenging due to a service-related injury to his back and arm. He sought help from the First Responders Support Team (FRST), and the organization connected him with Bonvenu Bank, which informed him about the HAVEN program and its support for veterans. In 2026, Bonvenu Bank secured a total of $287,640 in HAVEN funding, supporting 13 veterans across its service area.

With support from the HAVEN grant, Mr. Bray’s home received the essential repairs needed after the storms. His roof and damaged siding were replaced, and portions of the home were repainted.

“When I learned the program was designed to support veterans like me, the process was seamless,” said Mr. Bray. “Once the repairs began, they finished everything in a day and made the whole experience easy. There aren’t enough words to explain how grateful I am, and I’m truly thankful for the support FHLB Dallas and Bonvenu Bank provide to 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 Bonvenu Bank.

“Supporting veterans like Mr. Bray is an honor, and the HAVEN program gives us a meaningful way to stand with those who have served,” said Bonvenu Bank Vice President of Community Development Michael Colston. “When storm damage created urgent needs at his home, it was important that he had a reliable place to turn. We’re grateful to partner with FHLB Dallas to help provide that support and make a difference for veterans in our community.”

FHLB Dallas allocated $1 million for HAVEN grants in 2026, with the funding distributed in two rounds, and all funds have now been exhausted.

“Mr. Bray’s experience highlights the difference the HAVEN program can make for veterans facing unexpected challenges,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “When storm damage left him in need of essential repairs, HAVEN helped provide the support to make his home secure again.”

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 Bonvenu Bank

Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 15 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years.

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 $107.8 billion as of June 30, 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.

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