United Community Bank and FHLB Dallas Partner to Fund Men's Residential Training Facility

Strategic Insights -

A collaborative effort between United Community Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) has enabled the renovation of a former youth detention facility in St. James, Louisiana, into a state-of-the-art residential training facility for men. The Church United for Community Development, a faith-based organization, will operate the facility, providing a 12-month program that equips men with life skills, a trade, and a sense of purpose to regain control of their lives and reintegrate into society. This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of homelessness and recidivism in the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • United Community Bank and FHLB Dallas awarded a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to support the renovation of the former St. James Youth Detention Center.
  • The Church United for Community Development will use the facility to host its Kingdom Men program, providing a 12-month work training program for men who are homeless or newly released from prison.
  • The program equips participants with life skills, a trade, and a sense of purpose, enabling them to gain employment and become productive members of society.
  • The facility will be expanded to accommodate 150 men, up from the current 90 residents, once all the dormitories are refurbished.
  • William Barbera, chief financial officer of United Community Bank, highlighted the importance of the AHP grant, stating it was a "real difference maker" in enabling the project to move forward.
  • The Church United for Community Development is an existing client of United Community Bank, and the bank was able to leverage its relationship to access the AHP grant.
  • The AHP funds are intended to assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction, and/or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental, or transitional housing.

Statistics:

  • $750,000: The amount of the Affordable Housing Program grant awarded by United Community Bank and FHLB Dallas.
  • 12 months: The duration of the work training program offered by The Church United for Community Development.
  • 150: The projected capacity of the facility once all the dormitories are refurbished.
  • 54,000: The number of households assisted through FHLB Dallas's AHP and AHP set-aside programs since its inception in 1990.
  • $300 million: The total amount awarded by FHLB Dallas through the AHP and AHP set-aside programs.

Sources:

  • United Community Bank
  • Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas)
  • The Church United for Community Development
  • Business Wire: "United Community Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas Award $750,000 Affordable Housing Program Grant to The Church United for Community Development" (August 26, 2020)