$25K HAVEN Grant Helps Army Veteran Achieve Homeownership in Texas
A $25,000 Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) has helped U.S. Army veteran Alicia Cannon achieve the dream of homeownership in Mansfield, Texas. The financial support, provided through Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, enabled Ms. Cannon to secure the down payment on a home for herself and her 11-year-old son, creating a new chapter of stability and opportunity for the family.
The grant played a vital role in making the purchase affordable, easing one of the biggest financial barriers many veterans face when trying to buy a home. For Ms. Cannon, the assistance represented more than just funding — it symbolized hope, security and a fresh start after years of service and hard work.
Ms. Cannon previously served in the U.S. Army as a 91 Charlie, a military occupational specialty focused on heating and air conditioning repair. Her technical expertise and dedication during her military service prepared her for a career that continues to support the Army today. She now works as a civilian project scheduler for the Army, balancing a demanding professional role while raising her young son.
Last August, Ms. Cannon and her son officially moved into their new home in Mansfield, a rapidly growing community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The transition marked an emotional and rewarding milestone for the family after navigating the challenges of today’s housing market.
“I prayed to God about being able to afford a home, and this grant was a blessing,” Ms. Cannon said. “The home is airy and full of natural light, and that has made a huge difference for my mental health. I’m deeply grateful to Gulf Coast Bank & Trust and FHLB Dallas for making this possible.”
Her comments reflect the profound personal impact that affordable housing assistance programs can have on veterans and their families. Beyond the financial benefits, stable housing can improve emotional well-being, reduce stress and provide children with a stronger sense of security and continuity.
The HAVEN program was specifically created to assist veterans, reservists and active-duty military service members who have service-related disabilities. The program also extends support to Gold Star Families, recognizing the sacrifices made by military families across the country. Through the initiative, eligible recipients can receive grants for down payment assistance, home modifications or new home construction.
Rather than distributing grants directly to consumers, FHLB Dallas works through participating member financial institutions such as Gulf Coast Bank & Trust. This partnership approach helps connect qualified applicants with lenders who understand the unique financial situations and challenges many military families encounter.
According to Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Senior Mortgage Lender and Military Specialist Juli Coen, the program provides a meaningful way for financial institutions to strengthen their community impact while honoring veterans through practical assistance.
“The HAVEN program allows us to deepen our community impact in a meaningful way by helping veterans achieve stable housing,” Coen said. “Ms. Cannon’s story highlights the value of these grants in a very real way.”
Programs like HAVEN have become increasingly important as rising home prices, higher interest rates and limited housing inventory continue to create obstacles for first-time buyers. Veterans, despite having access to valuable VA home loan benefits, can still struggle to gather enough funds for down payments, closing costs and moving expenses.
The support provided through HAVEN can bridge that affordability gap, helping military families transition from renting to homeownership more successfully. Stable housing is often linked to improved financial security, better educational outcomes for children and stronger community engagement.
FHLB Dallas has continued expanding its efforts to support affordable housing initiatives throughout its district. In 2026, the organization allocated $1 million for HAVEN grants, with the funding distributed in two separate rounds to maximize outreach and accessibility.
The first round of grants has already supported veterans like Ms. Cannon, while the second funding round, totaling an additional $500,000, is scheduled to open on July 1, 2026. The ongoing investment highlights the organization’s long-term commitment to addressing housing challenges faced by military families.
Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, emphasized the importance of reducing financial barriers for veterans seeking affordable housing opportunities.
“HAVEN exists because too many veterans face barriers to buying a home that is affordable and the down payment is one of the biggest hurdles,” Hettrick said. “Ms. Cannon’s story is a powerful reminder of why this program matters, and her experience shows how the HAVEN grant can help open the door to homeownership for veterans.”
For Ms. Cannon and her son, the new home represents far more than a real estate transaction. It provides stability, comfort and a healthier environment where they can build lasting memories together. The natural light and open atmosphere she described have contributed positively to her mental well-being, demonstrating how housing quality can directly affect emotional health and daily life.
The success of the HAVEN program also illustrates the broader importance of collaboration between financial institutions, housing organizations and community development programs. By combining resources and expertise, these partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for deserving veterans and their families.
As housing affordability continues to be a national concern, programs such as HAVEN may become even more critical in helping military families secure safe and stable homes. Through grants, education and financial support, organizations like FHLB Dallas and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust are helping ensure that veterans receive the opportunities and recognition they deserve after serving the country.
HAVEN grants are available only through participating FHLB Dallas member institutions, and interested applicants are encouraged to work with approved lenders to learn more about eligibility requirements and application timelines.
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