Thirty Louisiana families are receiving FORTIFIED roofs, thanks to $432,000 in grants from FHLB Dallas and Bonvenu Bank to protect their homes before storms strike.

The grants are funded by FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund, which allocated $10 million this year for homeowners to receive up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for new-construction roofs. All grants are distributed through FHLB Dallas financial institution members, including Bonvenu Bank.

“Together with FHLB Dallas, we are providing FORTIFIED roofs to homeowners in the New Orleans metro and Northshore communities,” said Michael Colston, vice president and community development officer at Bonvenu Bank. “This initiative helps residents protect their properties before severe weather strikes instead of reacting to damage afterward. Storm-resilient homes are a key factor that help preserve family property and assist with building generational wealth.”

Bonvenu Bank worked with Christian Fellowship Family Worship Center and West 30’s Redemption Company to identify homeowners in need.

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, noted the fund’s growing popularity since it launched in 2023 with an initial $1.75 million allocation.

“Disasters may strike in an instant, but recovery can take extraordinary amounts of time and money,” he said. “That’s why we’re committed to providing a solution that protects property before the next storm. Our FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund grants have been extremely popular in areas of our District impacted by hurricanes and other severe weather.”