Grant Provides Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance

As a plastic surgeon’s assistant, Lakesia Williams witnessed many life-changing transformations. Thanks to a Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) grant that supports first-time homebuyers, she experienced one herself. An $18,000 Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant from FHLB Dallas provided through ANECA Federal Credit Union (ANECA) helped Ms. Williams buy the Shreveport, Louisiana, home she had been renting for three years.

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A Shreveport, Louisiana, woman recently received an $18,000 FHLB Dallas Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership grant through ANECA Federal Credit Union. (Photo: Business Wire)

HELP assists income-qualified, first-time homebuyers with up to $20,000 in down payment assistance and closing costs.

“I haven’t been a homeowner for very long but it’s a great feeling,” Ms. Williams said. “Most of my family lives in Shreveport; I’ve got a good job and now I can finally set my home up just the way I want it to be.”

Ms. Williams learned about the HELP grant through her mortgage loan specialist at ANECA.

“We are especially proud to have played a part in Ms. Williams’ journey to becoming a homeowner,” said ANECA Chief Operating Officer Amanda Simpson. “This milestone provides not just current stability but a foundation for a bright future.”

The mortgage that Ms. Williams pays as a homeowner is less than the amount she paid as a renter at the same property.

“Without the grant, I wouldn’t be able to purchase this house. I would have ended up having to move,” she said.

In 2024, FHLB Dallas set aside $15.5 million for HELP, more than double the $6.5 million it allocated in 2023.

“ANECA is using the HELP grant to transform its community into one of homeowners,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “By combining the HELP grant with financial education and assistance, ANECA is creating a positive impact for years to come.”

Visit fhlb.com/help to view current availability of HELP funds.

About ANECA Federal Credit Union

ANECA Federal Credit Union, established in 1939, is a member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to providing exceptional banking services and personalized financial solutions to its members. With a commitment to community empowerment and financial education, ANECA FCU offers a range of products including savings and checking accounts, loans, mortgages and investment services. Headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, ANECA FCU prides itself on delivering outstanding member service, fostering financial well-being and supporting local community initiatives. For more information, visit www.aneca.org.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $125.1 billion as of March 31, 2024, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 815 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information.

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