FORTIFIED Roofing Enhances Resiliency Against Severe Weather
METAIRIE, La.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#affordablehousing–Thirty Louisiana homeowners are receiving new roofs designed to provide protection against severe weather thanks to nearly $432,000 in grants awarded by The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through Bonvenu Bank.
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. Watch a video showing FORTIFIED roofs being installed in Violet and Covington, Louisiana.
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.”
FORTIFIED, developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), is a voluntary program to strengthen homes against severe weather. Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund to learn more about eligibility requirements and application information.
About Bonvenu Bank
Bonvenu Bank is a community bank in Louisiana that offers a variety of banking services for individuals and businesses. Formerly Citizens National Bank, Bonvenu Bank was established in 1985, and has 14 full-service branch locations throughout Louisiana. Committed to offering an elevated banking experience, Bonvenu Bank strives to build a prosperous future for the communities it serves. Bonvenu Bank has been a leading financial partner for businesses and individuals in Northwest Louisiana for 40 years.
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 $116.1 billion as of June 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.
Contacts
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
fhlb.com, (214) 441-8445
