Grant Provided Down Payment Assistance Improving Housing Affordability
In a meaningful step toward advancing homeownership opportunities, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and First National Bank Texas (FNBT) awarded a $25,000 grant to a first-time homebuyer in El Paso, Texas. Alicia Zapata, a single mother of two, used the Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant to make a down payment on her family’s first home.
“I was renting a house I could never afford to buy, and it felt like homeownership was always out of reach. As a single mom with two growing kids, I longed for a place that was truly ours,” said Ms. Zapata. “Thanks to the HELP grant, I finally have that. It feels incredible to give my children a home we can grow into and call our own.”
Her homebuying experience was made significantly easier by the support she received from FNBT.
“My loan officer at FNBT made the homebuying process feel easy. They were always a step ahead, guiding me through every detail,” said Ms. Zapata.
FNBT, an FHLB Dallas member institution, provided Ms. Zapata with her mortgage and facilitated the HELP grant toward her down payment and closing costs. HELP grants are awarded through FHLB Dallas member institutions.
“At FNBT, we take pride in tailoring solutions to each client’s unique needs and responding quickly to support them every step of the way,” said FNBT VP and CRA Community Development Innovation Specialist Jeremy Munden. “Whether it’s a mortgage product we offer or connecting clients to external resources like the HELP grant, we’re committed to opening doors to opportunities that can change lives.”
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 final round of funding for 2025, $4.25 million, opens on August 1.
“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.”
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
