A retired U.S. Air Force veteran is able to stay cool in Texas, thanks to a $10,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas.

Ryan Urquhart, 22, said his home’s air-conditioning unit hadn’t been working well for years. On top of that, he had suffered a serious back injury while in the Air Force working on heavy-duty cargo aircraft at a base in Germany.

As a result, he struggled to get the money to fix his air conditioner. Then he learned about HAVEN from Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, applied, and was awarded funding for a new central air-conditioning unit.

“I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “I’m at a loss for words. It’s not something I expected to happen.”

HAVEN provides grants to veterans and active-duty, reserve or National Guard service members who have been disabled in the line of duty since August 2, 1990. Funds can be used for modifications to an existing home or to offset construction costs. They may also be used to assist with a down payment, closing costs or both. In addition, the funds may be used to assist Gold Star Families who were impacted during this time frame.

Like all FHLB Dallas programs, HAVEN funds are disbursed through FHLB Dallas member financial institutions. Mr. Urquhart’s grant was provided through Veritex Community Bank.

“Mr. Urquhart serves as an inspiration for us all,” said Melanie Goodman, community reinvestment officer at Veritex. “His dedication to this country is truly demonstrated in his story and reinforces our role as a community bank and how we can support veterans.

FHLB Dallas recently expanded the eligibility criteria for HAVEN to help more veterans.

“The HAVEN program ensures that our veterans are able to live comfortably in their homes with their disabilities,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

Learn more about HAVEN.

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