First-Time Homebuyers Can Qualify for Down Payment Assistance with HELP

Our Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant is designed to help homebuyers over one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership: saving enough for a down payment.

In 2024, we committed $15.5 million through members in our five-state District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas for this program, which offers grants up to $20,000 per homebuyer for down payment and closing cost assistance.

Red River Bank has used HELP to make housing affordable to first-time homebuyers throughout its Louisiana markets. Low-income families who may have thought homeownership was out of reach have been among those who have benefited from HELP down payment and closing cost assistance. See their story.

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company  shares how they have used HELP to aid people in their communities to transition from renting to homeownership and talks about how HELP is easing the transition. See their story.

Potential homebuyers interested in HELP for down payment and closing cost assistance should contact a Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) participating member financial institution to get the ball rolling.

A new round of funding will open in January 2025.

We’d like to encourage more of our members to enroll in HELP now to be prepared for future funding rounds. FHLB Dallas members can learn more here about member requirements and how to complete a one-time enrollment in the program.  HELP promotes affordable housing. Sign up today.