Improvements Help Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Resident Restore Independence in Her Longtime Home

HATTIESBURG, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Long-term Hattiesburg, Mississippi, resident Ruby Willis can once again enjoy her favorite spot—the front porch of her home—thanks to a $9,575 Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and FHLB Dallas member institution Grand Bank. The grant paid for essential home repairs, including a ramp to her front porch.

"Programs like SNAP allow us to partner with organizations like HERE and FHLB Dallas to make a real difference for homeowners in our community,” said Grand Bank Chief Mortgage Officer Sean Little.

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Ms. Willis, 69, has lived in the same home for more than 50 years, raising her four children there. In recent years, mobility challenges made it increasingly difficult for her to safely navigate the steps leading into her house. Although she was determined to remain in the home she loves, she knew she needed support to maintain her independence.

“I am content in my house,” said Ms. Willis. “I did not want to (move), but I knew I needed some sort of help.”

She learned about the Housing: Economic Resources & Education (HERE) organization after seeing a local news segment highlighting its work. HERE helps individuals apply for SNAP funding through FHLB Dallas member institutions such as Grand Bank. With HERE’s guidance, Ms. Willis connected with Grand Bank to submit her application.

The SNAP grant funded a new accessibility ramp, updated electrical panel, new exterior doors and other critical repairs. These upgrades have allowed Ms. Willis to remain safely in the home she cherishes.

SNAP grants, provided through FHLB Dallas member institutions like Grand Bank, provide funding for the repair and rehabilitation of owner-occupied housing of eligible special-needs individuals including elderly and disabled homeowners.

“Helping people remain safely in their homes is one of the most meaningful things we have the opportunity to do. Programs like SNAP allow us to partner with organizations like HERE and FHLB Dallas to make a real difference for homeowners in our community,” said Grand Bank Chief Mortgage Officer Sean Little.

In 2026, FHLB Dallas made available $1.8 million for SNAP.

“Helping residents make critical home repairs is important,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Support through programs like SNAP helps ensure homeowners can remain in their homes while improving their overall quality of life.”

Ms. Willis’ experience reflects the impact FHLB Dallas SNAP funds can have on homeowners’ lives.

“I am not helpless anymore,” said Ms. Willis. “I am so thankful to everyone who helped. I can now go outside and sit on my porch.”

Learn more about SNAP.

About Grand Bank
Grand Bank for Savings, F.S.B. (Grand.bank®) is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Since 1968, Grand.bank has been committed to expanding access to responsible financial services through innovative products, exceptional service and strong community partnerships. Guided by its mission to enhance the financial well-being of more than one million members of underserved and historically underrepresented communities nationwide by 2030, Grand.bank is dedicated to breaking cycles of harmful debt, fostering savings, promoting homeownership and investing in programs that help individuals, families and communities build lasting financial strength.

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.