VICTORIA, Texas, July 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When Felix Chacon went in for open heart surgery in 2012, no one expected he'd come out having suffered a stroke.
But that's what happened.
"He was in rehab for a while," said his wife, Guadalupe Chacon, 74, recalling those days. Since having the heart surgery and stroke, Mrs. Chacon says it has been more difficult for her 75-year-old husband to get around, and she feared he'd fall trying to get in and out of a deep tub in their bathroom.
But thanks to a $6,000 Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Prosperity Bank, the Chacons were able to replace his bathtub with a shower, as well as replace the floor in another bathroom where water damage was a concern. They also had a short sidewalk constructed to replace uneven bricks leading to their driveway.
FHLB Dallas established SNAP in 2009 and makes the grants available through its member institutions, such as Prosperity Bank. The program provides much-needed home repairs or modifications, such as making restrooms more accessible or replacing leaky roofs for income-eligible, special-needs residents.
Since its inception, more than $7.3 million in SNAP grants have been awarded to assist 1,464 eligible homeowners. In 2014, FHLB Dallas has made available $1.85 million in SNAP funds.
Mr. Chacon worked as a truck driver before retirement and Mrs. Chacon most recently worked as a teacher's aide. Their fixed income simply wasn't enough to pay for the renovations, Mrs. Chacon said.
"The grant was wonderful because on a fixed income you don't have the kind of money that you have when you are working," Mrs. Chacon added. "We knew we'd probably never be able to do the repairs. It is really nice. He just steps in and out of his shower, and it's really handy for him. This will be important as he gets older."
Prosperity Bank CRA Officer Patricia Cox said Mr. and Mrs. Chacon were very appreciative of the renovations.
"We've always had a strong conviction to serve the needs of Victoria residents," Ms. Cox said. "That has always been our fundamental approach to business. We are so glad that the modifications made to the Chacon home will provide peace of mind and a sense of safety and security during the couple's golden years."
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 $30.6 billion as of March 31, 2014, 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.