June 18 2026

Empowering Homeownership: How HELP Made a Difference for New Mexico Resident

Ricky Corriz, a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, always dreamed of providing a stable home for his partner and three children. After having their first child, the family moved several times, and each move made it difficult for them to find an affordable place to live.

Two years ago, Mr. Corriz began his journey toward homeownership by applying for a mortgage with Homewise. Through Homewise, he enrolled in educational classes about the homebuying process and met with a case manager who determined he was buyer ready.

Mr. Corriz received a $25,000 Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) that helped him meet his goal.

“Without the HELP downpayment program, there is a good chance we wouldn’t have been able to get the home,” said Mr. Corriz, who is the youngest of seven siblings and the first homebuyer in his family.

HELP grants are awarded through FHLB member institutions, like Homewise, to assist 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.

“We are committed to supporting families such as Mr. Corriz’s in their journey toward homeownership,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “Through down payment assistance, we help alleviate financial obstacles and make homeownership more accessible for dedicated individuals and families within our communities.”

Do you have a success story using FHLB Dallas programs? We would love to hear from you! Submit your story here.

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