Impact-Resistant Roofing Gains Traction in Hurricane-Prone Areas

A homeowner in New Orleans, Louisiana, is the proud owner of a storm-resistant roof thanks to a $14,653 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), awarded through its member Gulf Coast Bank & Trust.

Lorraine Taylor-Smith suffered damage to her roof from devastating hurricanes including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

“It was stressful, I was thinking about selling before I found out about the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund,” Ms. Taylor-Smith said. “I said my prayers, and I was so thankful to receive help from the fund.”

Homeowners can qualify for FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund grants up to $15,000 for roof replacements and up to $7,500 for roofs on new construction. FHLB Dallas made available $4 million this year through members.

“FHLB Dallas has enabled people who could not otherwise afford these roofs to improve their homes and reduce their insurance premiums,” said Gulf Coast Bank & Trust President Guy Williams.

FORTIFIED roofs are installed to the FORTIFIED roof standard to withstand damage from high wind, hail and thunderstorms.

“The FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund offers a proactive approach to safeguarding homes from severe weather, empowering communities to recover more swiftly from natural disasters,” said Bre Chapman, executive vice president at FHLB Dallas. “By investing in stronger roofs, we not only protect our homes but also enhance resilience for the future,” she said.

FORTIFIED is a voluntary construction and re-roofing program developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). The method has been proven to strengthen homes against severe weather.

Visit the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund to learn more, including eligibility requirements and application information.

About Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company was founded in 1883, offering several personal & business banking services to the communities in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, surrounding the Southeast Louisiana areas and Florida. Banking services include checking and savings accounts with online and mobile banking options as well as personal loans, home loans, business loans, and trust and brokerage services. Our mission is to strengthen our relationship with our customers by combining the values of old-fashioned community banking that focus on individualized customer service with innovative, competitive banking products and trust and brokerage services. Simply put, we are The Bank That Cares About You!

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 $124.9 billion as of September 30, 2024, 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.

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