Home Bank and FHLB Dallas awarded $8,000 in Partnership Grant Program funds to Mountain of Faith Ministries, which works to provide support to homeless women and children in Vicksburg.

Representatives from the banks, joined local elected officials, in making the presentation Wednesday.

The funds will be used to cover operational and maintenance costs for the organization.

“My staff has not been paid since March simply because we don’t have the proper funds or cash flow,” Betty James, executive director for Mountain of Faith Ministries. “I do what I have to do because I will see my blessings in the long run. I’m so thankful for the partnership of Home Bank and FHLB Dallas to provide our organization the funds needed to operate and help an underserved population.”

Mountain of Faith Ministries offers the only women’s shelter in Warren County. The organization provides temporary, transitional and permanent housing for women and children who are experiencing homelessness.

James said access to social services, support, health care, employment and housing is the key to the organization’s success.

With the PGP, FHLB Dallas member institutions like Home Bank contribute $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization, which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3-to- ratio. This year, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 25 member institutions to assist 27 CBOs. Combined with FHLB Dallas member contributions, a total of $442,500 has been awarded to the organizations.

Brandon Kelly, vice president, community reinvestment act officer at Home Bank, said grants such as the PGP enable institutions to help those that need it most.

“The Vicksburg community flourishes when institutions work with nonprofits and spread awareness about their mission,” Kelly said. “Home Bank is committed to serving our community in any way possible through the PGP.”

Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the PGP offers a unique service to member institutions.

“The Partnership Grant Program helps strengthen relationships between community-based organizations and community financial institutions,” Hettrick said. “Thanks to Home Bank for their strong engagement in the Vicksburg community to improve the lives of homeless women and children.”