NATCHEZ, Miss., Dec. 2, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Representatives of Britton & Koontz Bank (B&K Bank) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) gathered yesterday to award a $4,000 Partnership Grant Program (PGP) award to Natchez-Adams County Habitat for Humanity (Natchez-Adams Habitat). The grant funds enabled the nonprofit organization to purchase a portable utility trailer that will securely store building supplies and materials for construction projects.
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PGP grants are awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions, such as B&K Bank, to assist with the operational needs of nonprofit, community-based organizations involved in affordable housing and community development. Partnership grants are based on cash contributions of $500 to $5,000 made by FHLB Dallas member institutions, in which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio. B&K Bank contributed $1,000 to Natchez-Adams Habitat, which resulted in a $4,000 PGP grant through FHLB Dallas. FHLB Dallas has awarded $225,000 in PGP grants this year.
"B&K Bank is proud to have sponsored our local Natchez-Adams Habitat in the Partnership Grant Program with FHLB Dallas," said Kevin Smith, city president for B&K Bank. "The decision to sponsor Natchez-Adams Habitat for this partnership grant award was easy, considering their past history of contributing to the betterment of our community and their sincere concern for the housing needs of many citizens in Natchez and Adams counties. Mr. McFarlane, the Habitat Board, and the hard-working volunteers of Habitat for Humanity have provided 15 homes for deserving citizens this year. Once selected by Habitat, these homeowners-to-be work alongside Habitat volunteers, providing their stake in the new home. B&K Bank looks forward to continuing to support this worthwhile organization and the families who will become homeowners."
The new utility trailer will provide efficiency and convenience for crews constructing the Habitat homes. Natchez-Adams Habitat Secretary and Treasurer Duncan McFarlane said the trailer will easily hook to the back of a work truck, and building materials and supplies can be stored rather than having to return them to the warehouse at the end of each workday.
"It was such a hassle to pack up every day and run everything back to the warehouse," said Mr. McFarlane. "Our warehouse has been broken into a few times, so this new trailer will provide a secure, and a much easier option. The grant funds covered the expense, and we are very appreciative to FHLB Dallas and B&K Bank for supporting us through the Partnership Grant Program."
Natchez Mayor Jake Middleton joined representatives of Natchez-Adams Habitat, FHLB Dallas, and B&K Bank for yesterday's check presentation. The utility trailer was delivered and will be used in upcoming projects.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 12 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $31.4 billion as of September 30, 2011, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to more than 900 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3013.
The photo is also available via AP PhotoExpress.
