News Summary
Army veteran Raymond Rodriguez and his wife, Feliciana, have been awarded a $17,400 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant to help with critical repairs and modifications to their home. Provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas in partnership with Veritex Community Bank, the funding will improve accessibility and address essential needs. The HAVEN program aims to support veterans facing service-related disabilities, with increased funding set for 2025 to assist more families like the Rodriguez’s.
Dallas, Texas – Army veteran Raymond Rodriguez and his wife, Feliciana, recently received a $17,400 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant to assist with essential repairs to their home. This grant was provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) through partnership with Veritex Community Bank.
The funds will be utilized for significant modifications to ensure the home is more accessible and to address critical repair needs. The improvements funded by the grant include the installation of an accessible bathroom along with necessary roof fascia and soffit replacements, among other repairs.
Raymond Rodriguez, a 53-year-old Army infantryman, served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery. His military service resulted in serious injuries, leading to ongoing challenges with mobility. This grant through the HAVEN program is designed to help veterans like Rodriguez who face service-related disabilities by providing funding for necessary home modifications and repairs.
Details of the HAVEN Program
The HAVEN program offers grants for a variety of housing-related needs, including home modifications, the construction of new homes, and down payment assistance for veterans, reservists, and service members who have been injured in the line of duty. Notably, the program also extends support to Gold Star Families, providing them with vital assistance as well.
As part of its commitment to veteran support, FHLB Dallas has significantly increased funding for the HAVEN program in 2025 to a total of $1 million, up from $300,000 in 2024. Additionally, the maximum grant amount has been increased from $20,000 to $25,000 to better meet the needs of veterans seeking assistance.
Eligibility and Background Information
The HAVEN program was initially tailored for veterans who entered service after September 11, 2001, but it has since been expanded to include all veterans, ensuring that a wider range of service members can benefit from its resources.
The Rodriguez family is notably large, consisting of eight children, ranging in age from 4 to 27, with five currently living at home. In a testament to their family’s dedication to military service, two of Rodriguez’s sons have followed in his footsteps and enlisted in the military as well.
Community Support Overview
Veritex Community Bank, which is headquartered in Dallas and boasts assets exceeding $12 billion, is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve the lives of veterans in the community. Their involvement in facilitating the HAVEN grant for the Rodriguez family reflects this commitment to social responsibility.
FHLB Dallas, a cooperative with total assets of $109.9 billion as of March 31, 2025, serves approximately 800 member organizations across multiple states. Its ongoing support through initiatives like the HAVEN program showcases the organization’s dedication to the well-being of veterans.
Efforts by both Veritex Community Bank and FHLB Dallas exemplify a strong community partnership focused on improving the lives of those who have served the nation. Through the HAVEN program, many veterans and their families can receive the assistance they need to maintain safe and accessible homes.
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Additional Resources
- Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
- Wikipedia: Housing Assistance for Veterans
- Veritex Community Bank
- Google Search: HAVEN program for veterans
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Housing Assistance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
