- June 18 2025
- Texas
Help Where It Counts: Down Payment Assistance Grant Helps Single Mom Secure a Home for Her Family
Alicia Zapata dreamed of giving her two growing children the room to thrive, but the financial leap to homeownership seemed impossible. That changed when First National Bank Texas (FNBT), a Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) member institution, connected Ms. Zapata with the HELP grant. HELP funds bridge the gap to homeownership by providing down payment and closing cost assistance.
“Thanks to the HELP grant, I finally give my children a home we can grow into and call our own,” Ms. Zapata said.
FNBT assisted Ms. Zapata with her mortgage and facilitated the HELP grant toward her down payment and closing costs.
“Whether it’s a mortgage product we offer or connecting clients to external resources like the HELP grant, we are committed to opening doors to opportunities that can change lives,” said FNBT Vice President and CRA Community Development Innovation Specialist Jeremy Munden
HELP assists income-qualified, first-time homebuyers with down payment assistance and closing costs. Up to $25,000 per homebuyer is available in Texas and New Mexico and up to $20,000 per homebuyer is available in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. FHLB Dallas allocated $17 million for HELP this year, up from $15.5 million in 2024.
“The housing challenges of today require solutions that are collaborative. Through our grant funding made available via members like FNBT, we’re proud to support housing affordability,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Their on-the-ground expertise ensures that the resources reach those who most need it, creating a lasting impact.”
