VICTORIA, Texas, July 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At age 90, Harry Schankweiler figures it's probably OK to admit he's not that spry anymore.
His wife, Shirley, 87, uses a walker, and he uses a scooter to aid in his mobility.
"We are not that able-bodied anymore," he says, matter-of-factly.
So it was a great relief when Mr. Schankweiler qualified to receive much-needed home repairs through the Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) offered by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas).
FHLB Dallas offers SNAP grants through member institutions, in this case, Prosperity Bank, to assist income-qualified, special needs households with necessary home repairs and rehabilitation.
The Schankweilers received a $5,995 grant that funded removal of a bathtub and replacement of the tub with a shower stall. The grant also funded nonslip bathroom flooring for the elderly couple.
Mr. Schankweiler said the grant made him – and his wife – very happy.
"It was important because we don't have to step over into the tub now," he said.
Prosperity Bank CRA Officer Patricia Cox said helping the town's elderly is a key benefit of SNAP.
"SNAP grants enable our senior citizens to continue to live independently in their own homes, something we likely will all be hoping for as we age," she said. "FHLB Dallas has been a great partner in joining with us to bring this wonderful grant program to our city."
Since its inception in 2009, FHLB Dallas has awarded more than $7.3 million in SNAP grants through members to assist 1,464 eligible homeowners. In 2014, FHLB Dallas has made available $1.85 million in SNAP funds.
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.