Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP)

Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) is sponsored by Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). Offers down payment and closing cost assistance grants to eligible homebuyers.

Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership Empowering Dreams, Building Futures Is your financial institution looking to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs? With FHLB Dallas’ Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership program (HELP), you can provide this critical assistance to your potential homebuyers.

This program can help your institution support homeownership dreams, strengthen customer relationships and demonstrate your commitment to the communities you serve. HELP funds are provided only through FHLB Dallas members. FHLB Dallas does not provide funds directly to consumers.

FHLB Dallas helps income-qualified individuals and families achieve homeownership by providing financial support for down payments and closing costs. For 2026, FHLB Dallas allocated $17 million for HELP. Funds are available until they have been exhausted or until December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.

For 2026, the HELP allocation will be divided into five offerings. Any unused funds remaining from the previous offering will carry over into the next offering. Available Funds as of July 29, 2026: $119,898.

18 Please note the initial review times may exceed 10 to 15 business days from the date the application is received. Additional Offerings, each with $3. 4 million in available funds: The Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership gives first-time homebuyers much-needed funding to purchase a home.

Per Homebuyer Depending on Property Location Member Cap Per Offering in 2026 Benefits for Your Financial Institution Differentiate your institution by offering a valuable homeownership assistance program to qualifying first-time homebuyers. Strengthen customer relationships and loyalty through personalized support and financial assistance.

Support economic empowerment and community development by helping more individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership Webinar Learn how to access HELP funds by watching this video. Using HELP, FHLB Dallas members have helped more than 6,700 homebuyers realize their dreams of homeownership.

We invite you to read some of their stories. Help Where It Counts: Down Payment Assistance Grant Helps Single Mom Secure a Home for Her Family After years of renting, a single mother of two has finally stepped through the front door of a house she can truly call her own—thanks in part to a $25,000 Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant.

Down Payment Grant Helps New Mexico Mom Buy Home for her Family The saying “Things happen when they are supposed to” was often repeated by Ivon Moncada during her multiyear journey to homeownership. That journey culminated recently with a Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) down payment assistance grant that helped her buy a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Down Payment Program Makes Home Purchase a Reality for Young Family Elizabeth and Keegan Conway, both 25, were renting a house in a not-so-safe neighborhood in North Little Rock, Arkansas, when they began the journey toward becoming first-time homeowners. We'd love to hear from you! Tell us if you've been a recipient of funds from an FHLB Dallas program.

HELP funds are provided only through FHLB Dallas members. FHLB Dallas does not provide funds directly to consumers. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted, or until December 31, 2026, whichever comes first.

The member cap is $150,000 per offering. The member may utilize up to $375,000 of HELP funds per year outside of FHLB Dallas' District, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

Verify homebuyer eligibility Distribute the full HELP grant to the eligible recipient Document the distribution on a final closing disclosure Ensure that the rate of interest, points, fees and any other HELP loan charges do not exceed a reasonable market rate Document that the HELP-assisted home is subject to a five-year homeowner retention document that meets the Affordable Housing Program regulations and retention requirements (See Attachment F, AHP Implementation Plan) The first mortgage, or primary loan, made in conjunction with the HELP request must be originated by the member institution, wholly-owned subsidiary of the member institution or, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Discount points paid by the buyer and/or HELP funds shall not exceed three percent (3%) Enroll: An individual from the FHLB Dallas member financial institution with current Advances Signature Card authorization must submit a one-time HELP Enrollment Application and Subsidy Agreement. Please email ahp@fhlb. com for the AdobeSign application.

Engage: We offer resources to help you promote HELP to first-time homebuyers. Submit: Submit applications on behalf of your homebuyers. Award: HELP funds are disbursed to your institution once an application is approved and your homebuyer has or is preparing to close.

Maximum Amounts for Homebuyers and Members For properties located in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi or outside the FHLB Dallas District, $20,000 per household For properties located in New Mexico or Texas, $25,000 per household Member Cap Per Offering: $150,000 The member may utilize up to $375,000 of HELP funds per year for properties outside the FHLB Dallas District Interested organizations or prospective homebuyers (applicants) must complete and submit an application in partnership with an FHLB Dallas member institution.

Recipients will receive the funds through the FHLB Dallas member institution sponsoring the application as a grant applied directly to the mortgage associated with the home purchase.. HELP funds are provided only through FHLB Dallas members. FHLB Dallas does not provide funds directly to consumers.

To qualify for HELP, homebuyers must: Be at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) as defined by HUD Must complete a homebuyer counseling program Must contribute $500 of their own funds toward the required down payment or closing costs Must commit to retaining their home for a period of five years May not receive any cash back at closing If you are a homebuyer looking for help with a down payment and closing costs, contact a participating FHLB Dallas member for more information about your eligibility and the application process.

Please note that FHLB Dallas members have their own underwriting criteria and lending areas. They are also limited to the amount of HELP funding they can access within a given year and may have reached their FHLB Dallas program cap prior to the end of a program year.

Find a Participating FHLB Dallas Member Institution If you are a consumer or represent a community-based organization or similar entity seeking HELP assistance, use the link below to find a participating member in your area. Members are listed within the state of their charter’s origin and in alphabetical order. Participating Members List The materials below provide more detailed information regarding the HELP program.

Targeted Community Lending Plan Request for Payoff or Release Form Is my institution limited to assisting homebuyers within the FHLB Dallas District? The member may utilize up to $350,000 of HELP funds per year for HELP-assisted properties outside of the FHLB Dallas District of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. When are funds disbursed?

FHLB Dallas will disburse HELP funds to a member for a first-time homebuyer preparing to close or has recently closed on the purchase of a primary residence. Who can I contact with questions about participating in HELP? Contact our Community Investment team to learn more about enrollment and eligibility requirements.

Call 800. 362. 2944 or click the button below to connect with an FHLB Dallas representative.

An Affordable Housing Analyst is ready to serve you. Call 800. 362.

2944 or click the button below to connect with an FHLB Dallas representative.