Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and ANECA Federal Credit Union Award $18K to Louisiana Woman to Buy First Home

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.

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.”