DALLAS, TX, Jan. 28, 2026—The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Dallas has recently announced the appointment of three new members and the reappointment of two members to its Affordable Housing Advisory Council, including Deborah Welchel, vice president of real estate development, Texas for Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS).
The Affordable Housing Advisory Council advises the FHLB Dallas Board of Directors on strategies to advance housing finance and community lending initiatives, including its Affordable Housing Plan. The 14-member council is comprised of leaders from nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, developers, and financial institutions across FHLB Dallas’ five-state District: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas.
Welchel, who has dedicated more than 30 years to affordable housing and community development in Texas, was also elected vice chair of the council for the current term. “It’s an honor to continue serving on this council and to step into the role as vice chair,” said Welchel. “Everyone deserves a safe, quality place to call home. FHLB Dallas is a national leader in advancing thoughtful, impactful solutions, and I’m honored to work alongside leaders who are working hard every day to improve the lives of Texans—especially for older adults and families.”
FHLB Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank system created by Congress in 1932 to provide liquidity to participating mortgage lenders in the form of cash loans to its members and to support low-and moderate-income (LMI) mortgage lending through programs such as the Affordable Housing Program General Fund (AHP); Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN); Community Investment Program (CIP); and Disaster Relief Program (DRP), to name a few.
“Deborah’s leadership and commitment to providing quality affordable housing to older adults in the State of Texas are exceptional,” remarked Debashish Chakravarty, vice president of real estate development, VOANS. “Her reappointment reflects both her expertise and her deep dedication to strengthening communities across Texas.”
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About Volunteers of America National Services
Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS), a subsidiary of Volunteers of America, provides affordable housing and healthcare services in over 40 states and in Puerto Rico. The organization employs over 2,000 dedicated staff who provide high quality services and care to our clients. As one of the largest non-profit affordable housing owners/operators in the nation, the VOANS portfolio includes over 240 properties and 15,000 affordable housing units. VOANS also operates senior healthcare programs, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing care, home health care, and Programs for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Learn more at www.voans.org.
About Volunteers of America Texas
Volunteers of America Texas is a ministry of service that empowers individuals and families to overcome obstacles to reach their full potential and thrive. The ministry strengthens communities through an array of services, including substance abuse treatment and prevention, affordable housing, community re-entry, employment training, and disability services. With locations in more than 30 urban and rural communities, Volunteers of America Texas has been helping those who need it most for more than 100 years. For more information, visit www.voatx.org.
About the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity
The William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity (WALIPP) builds bridges between generations, from the students rising at The Lawson Academy to the elders thriving at the WALIPP Senior Residence. Together, we are shaping Houston’s future. The expansion creates 102 additional units to the existing 50-apartment community. In the 20 years of operation for this community, they have served nearly 300 families. In fact, there are still a few persons who have lived on the building for all those 20 years.
About Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America is one of the nation’s largest, established comprehensive human services organizations with 16,000 mission-driven professionals, dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded in 1896, the faith-based nonprofit has programs in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 1.5 million people a year. Learn more at www.voa.org.
Contacts
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Traci West
Strategic Communications Manager
Volunteers of America National Services
Email: twest@voa.org
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