- August 04, 2026
- Greg Hettrick
Seven Ways FHLB Dallas Supports First-Time Homebuyers and Homeowners
The homeownership journey often begins with a dream, and sometimes without a clear understanding of the financial path forward. For current homeowners, who are on fixed incomes, even essential repairs can feel like an overwhelming challenge.
Many families face these challenges every day, and our goal is to be part of the solution.
At the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), we work alongside our member institutions to expand access to housing resources and support long-term housing stability. Whether someone is buying their first home, maintaining a long‑owned residence or recovering after a disaster, our community investment programs are designed to provide support where it’s needed most.
Here are seven ways we help first-time homebuyers or homeowners across the communities we serve in our five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.
1. Helping First-Time Buyers with Down Payment and Closing Costs
One of the biggest obstacles facing first-time buyers is saving enough for upfront costs. Our Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) program provides up to $20,000 per household for properties located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or outside of the FHLB District or $25,000 for properties located in New Mexico or Texas for eligible first-time homebuyers to use toward down payments and closing costs.
2. Providing Critical Home Repairs for Elderly and Disabled Homeowners
Functional, safe housing is essential for maintaining independence. Our Special Needs Assistance Program (SNAP) supports households with elderly, disabled or other special needs occupants, with grants up to $10,000 per household for necessary home repairs or modifications. Eligible repairs include replacing leaking roofs, HVAC or plumbing repairs, electrical system upgrades and accessibility improvements such as wheelchair ramps. To qualify, households must be situated within our five-state District.
3. Expanding Housing Opportunities for Tribal Communities
The Native American Housing Opportunities (NAHO) Fund provides $50,000 to $200,000 grants to federally recognized tribes and Tribally Designated Housing Entities within our District. NAHO grants can be used as down payment and closing cost assistance, home repairs, rental assistance, rehabilitation and predevelopment activities.
4. Strengthening Resilience in Storm-Prone Areas
Severe weather is a fact of life in our District. To help homeowners prepare and protect their properties, the FHLB Dallas FORTIFIED Fund provides grants up to $17,000 per household to support the installation of storm‑resistant roofs that meet Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED standards. These upgrades can help reduce future storm damage. To be eligible, properties must be located within our District and located in a county or parish designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for individual assistance.
5. Supporting Families After Natural Disasters
When severe weather strikes, families are often left with urgent and costly repair needs. Our Disaster Rebuilding Assistance (DRA) program provides grants up to $15,000 per household for the repair, rehabilitation and reconstruction of owner-occupied homes in the wake of hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and other federally declared disasters. By offering financial relief to homeowners who face a shortfall from insurance proceeds or federal or state assistance, DRA helps reduce the long-term financial strain on homeowners. To qualify, the property must be located within our District and in a county or parish designated by FEMA for Individual Assistance no earlier than January 1, 2022.
6. A Hand Up to Veterans, Service Members and Gold Star Families
Our Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) supports those who have served our nation. Up to $25,000 per grant helps eligible veterans and service members with service-related disabilities fund home modifications, repairs or a down payment and closing cost assistance to buy a home. Gold Star Families may also qualify. To qualify the property must be located within the FHLB Dallas District.
7. Supporting Heirs’ Property Resolution
The Pathway Fund empowers organizations across the FHLB Dallas District to help homeowners navigate heirs’ property challenges and preserve generational wealth. Grants of up to $15,000 are available to resolve ownership issues related to heirs’ property and up to $25,000 per organization to prevent property complications through legal assistance and education. The fund equips communities with tools to protect property rights and ensure that homes can be passed down to future generations.
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a long-time homeowner, our programs are here to assist. Explore our Community Programs webpage for more information.
Greg Hettrick is senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.
