FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney Deliver Over $500,000 in Grants to Help Nearly 40 Gulf Coast Homeowners Rebuild and Strengthen Their Homes After Devastating Storms
Communities across the Gulf Coast continue to navigate the long journey of recovery after years of severe storms, hurricanes and natural disasters that have left thousands of homes damaged and vulnerable. Offering renewed hope and critical financial support, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Hancock Whitney Bank have jointly announced the disbursement of more than $500,000 in disaster rebuilding grants, providing nearly 40 homeowners with resources to rebuild, repair and fortify their homes for the future.
The milestone investment in long-term community resilience was commemorated at a special check presentation ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brought together officials from both banks, a local homeowner beneficiary, and representatives from Rebuilding Together New Orleans — the nonprofit that facilitated grants for 12 homeowners in the New Orleans area. The gathering symbolized far more than a financial contribution; it emphasized the importance of partnership-driven recovery and the shared responsibility to help residents restore stability, security and dignity after experiencing devastating loss.
At the ceremony, Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, spoke to the deeper purpose of the Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) program, the funding source behind the grants. “Programs like the Disaster Rebuilding Assistance are designed to help homeowners not only rebuild, but rebuild stronger, ensuring they’re better protected for the future,” he said. His message captured the essence of FHLB Dallas’ mission: to help communities fortify themselves against future storms while restoring safe housing for families today.
A Lifeline for Gulf Coast Homeowners Still Recovering from Disaster
The Gulf Coast region — spanning parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas — is no stranger to extreme weather. From major hurricanes like Ida and Katrina to repeated severe thunderstorm systems, high winds and hail events, the cumulative impact has left countless families struggling with costly roof damage, structural instability, mold infiltration, and unsafe living conditions.
With insurance gaps, rising construction costs and increasing climate-related risks, many homeowners have been unable to complete essential repairs. Some lacked the financial means; others were waiting years for relief. The grants provided by FHLB Dallas, with applications facilitated through Hancock Whitney, fill a vital need for families who otherwise might remain in unsafe homes or risk further deterioration.
This latest funding round is particularly impactful because it not only addresses immediate hazards but also supports preventive upgrades designed to reduce vulnerability during future storms.
FORTIFIED Roofs: Rebuilding Homes to Withstand Future Disaster
A significant portion of the $500,000+ awarded will go toward installing FORTIFIED roofs, an advanced roofing standard created by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The FORTIFIED program is not a traditional shingles-and-repair initiative; it is a research-based, voluntary nationally recognized construction method proven to strengthen homes against extreme weather.
FORTIFIED roofs are engineered to withstand:
- Hurricane-force winds
- Uplift pressures that often tear traditional roofs off
- Hail and impact damage
- Wind-driven rain
- Severe thunderstorms
The upgrades include stronger decking, enhanced sealant systems, reinforced edges and more robust fastening materials. For homeowners who have lived through multiple storms, these improvements offer peace of mind that their restored homes will be safer and more resilient.
One of the recipients, Ivan Watkins, received a $15,000 grant to replace his roof with a FORTIFIED-certified system. His gratitude was visible and heartfelt. “I feel very happy, blessed and a lot less stressed,” Watkins shared at the ceremony. “Now I can focus on life and making improvements to my home.” For Watkins and many others, the grant means a fresh start and renewed confidence in their home’s safety.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans: A Critical Nonprofit Partner in Long-Term Recovery
The grants to New Orleans-area homeowners were facilitated by Rebuilding Together New Orleans, a nonprofit organization that has spent decades supporting safe, affordable and resilient housing across the city. The organization has been instrumental in helping families navigate the complicated process of securing assistance, qualifying for grant programs, and arranging construction or repair.
William Stoudt, executive director of Rebuilding Together New Orleans, expressed deep appreciation for the partnership. “Rebuilding Together is grateful for our partnership with Hancock Whitney Bank,” he said. “They help us access life-changing programs like Disaster Rebuilding Assistance from FHLB Dallas. Rebuilding Together New Orleans is committed to building homes stronger, and our work would be impossible without these critical partners.”
The nonprofit’s role is essential. Many homeowners — especially seniors, low-income families, and those lacking access to transportation or digital resources — require hands-on assistance to navigate grant applications and coordinate repair projects. By guiding them through every step, Rebuilding Together ensures the grants reach families who need them the most and that upgrades are completed in compliance with the strict standards of the FORTIFIED program.
Through this collaboration, 12 New Orleans homeowners were able to secure strengthening upgrades that greatly improve their home’s ability to withstand future storms.
Hancock Whitney Bank: Strengthening Gulf Coast Neighborhoods Through Community Investment
As a longtime community partner, Hancock Whitney Bank plays a major role in helping residents along the Gulf Coast regain stability after natural disasters. The bank has facilitated numerous housing programs, grant initiatives and charitable partnerships with organizations dedicated to economic and community development.
LaCarsha Babers, vice president and community outreach officer at Hancock Whitney, emphasized the transformative value of these grants. “These grants are critical to maintaining vibrant, thriving neighborhoods across New Orleans,” she stated. “By strengthening our existing housing stock, these grants are protecting families from future storms and laying the foundation for current and future generations to build stable, successful lives in the communities they call home.”
Her remarks highlight a key philosophy behind Hancock Whitney’s outreach efforts: strong housing equals strong communities. When families have secure homes, entire neighborhoods experience:
- Lower displacement
- More stable property values
- Greater generational wealth retention
- Stronger economic participation
- Improved quality of life
Hancock Whitney’s involvement ensures that the funding is paired with community insight, local partnerships, and institutional support that extends beyond the initial disbursement.
FHLB Dallas: A Commitment to Sustainable, Long-Term Disaster Resilience
Through its Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) program, FHLB Dallas continues to be a driving force behind recovery and resilience efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The DRA program provides grants to assist income-qualified households affected by severe weather events, particularly those lacking the resources to fully restore their homes.
Beyond immediate repairs, the program is designed to encourage long-term resilience by funding:
- Structural reinforcements
- Roofing upgrades
- Weather-resistant building materials
- Essential interior repairs
- Safety-focused home improvements
The emphasis on building stronger rather than simply replacing damaged structures is a core feature of the program and a critical strategy for communities increasingly impacted by climate-intensified storms.
During the ceremony, Greg Hettrick reiterated FHLB Dallas’ commitment to helping communities prepare for the future. “Programs like the Disaster Rebuilding Assistance are designed to help homeowners not only rebuild, but rebuild stronger, ensuring they’re better protected for the future,” he said.
A Meaningful Step Toward Equitable and Resilient Housing Across the Gulf Coast
The more than half-million-dollars in grant funding marks another major moment in the ongoing effort to address housing insecurity driven by natural disasters. As storms become more frequent and more severe, the need for resilient housing solutions continues to grow — especially for low- and moderate-income households that are disproportionately affected.
This initiative delivers impact in several areas:
1. Financial Relief for Vulnerable Homeowners
Major repairs can cost tens of thousands of dollars — well beyond what many families can afford, especially after losing wages or facing displacement due to storms.
2. Prevention of Future Damage
FORTIFIED roof upgrades reduce long-term maintenance costs and minimize damage during future severe weather events.
3. Neighborhood Stabilization
Keeping long-term residents safely housed prevents displacement and maintains the cultural and economic fabric of Gulf Coast communities.
4. Community Resilience and Preparedness
Homes built to withstand storms contribute to fewer insurance losses, faster community recovery, and increased safety for all residents.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; and mortgage services. The company also operates combined loan and deposit production offices in the greater metropolitan areas of Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
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 $112.2 billion as of September 30, 2025, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.
*Funding figures reflect disbursements as of 12/01/25. Final documentation is pending for some projects and totals may be adjusted.
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