Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and First Federal Bank of Louisiana Award $100K Grant to Project Build a Future

Funds Will Support Education and Legal Issues

LAKE CHARLES, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) awarded a $100,000 Heirs’ Property Program grant to Project Build a Future (PBAF) in a ceremonial check presentation yesterday. The funds, awarded through FHLB Dallas member First Federal Bank of Louisiana, will be used for community experts to inform and educate the community about heirship issues, as well as assist clients with property issues.

PBAF will use $25,000 to work with the Southwest Louisiana Law Center (SWLA Law Center), to provide opportunities for community experts to deliver information sessions with educational materials. The remaining grant funds ($75,000) will be provided to the SWLA Law Center to assist clients.

“One of the most significant and lingering challenges we face with housing recovery post-Hurricane Laura is the obstacle of clear titles on homeownership,” said Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter. “There are programs and funds out there to help our residents repair and, in some cases, rebuild their homes. Some residents are unable to access these funds because a succession was never completed…This is why I am thrilled to hear of this grant being awarded to Project Build A Future. They do incredible work in our community every day, and this program in particular, will bring hope to a number of families who are still struggling.”

Heirs’ property refers to property inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. As property is passed down, each successive generation typically results in more heirs being added to the inheritance. The absence of a deed or will can make it more complicated to obtain a clear title to land or homes as time passes.

“These funds will strengthen our efforts to help Louisiana residents secure a strong future with a clear title to their home,” said Charla Blake, executive director of PBAF.

In 2024, FHLB Dallas and 20 participating members awarded $2 million to 33 organizations in FHLB Dallas’ five-state District. The funding will help clear an estimated 560 titles and assist more than 5,670 people with training and education regarding heirs’ issues. $3 million has been allocated for 2025.

“We are so pleased to be a part of the Heirs’ Property Program and to make a real impact in families' lives,” said Melissa Dickson, CRA manager at First Federal Bank of Louisiana.

Bruce Hatton, Community Marketing and Outreach Manager at FHLB Dallas, says the Heirs’ Property Program has been extremely popular since its inception in 2023.

“This program helps those who might not otherwise have access to legal resources and education,” he said. “It’s extremely gratifying to be able to assist those who have been subjected to hardship, and to help put them on the path of a secure future.”

For more information about the Heirs’ Property Program, visit fhlb.com/heirs.

About the First Federal Bank of Louisiana

First Federal Bank of Louisiana is a full-service, locally owned community bank that has helped build the communities we serve for over 75 years. With 16 offices currently serving multiple parishes across Southwest and Central Louisiana, it offers customers comprehensive retail and commercial products as well as investments and insurance services to meet all of their financial needs. Visit www.ffbla.bank to learn more. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

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 $127.7 billion as of December 31, 2024, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 800 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.

About Project Build a Future

Project Build a Future (PBAF) is a nonprofit corporation committed to revitalizing its target area through quality, affordable home-ownership initiatives. Its target area encompasses the sections North of Broad Street in Lake Charles, LA. In addition, PBAF offers homebuyer counseling services that lay a solid foundation for financial success of homebuyers which strengthens their ability to be successful over the long term. In fact, PBAF has seen no foreclosures on any of its homes since its inception in 2001.

About the Southwest LA Law Center

The Southwest LA Law Center (SWLLC) is a “Modest Means” law firm which provides affordable legal assistance to those persons who do not qualify for free legal services. A sliding fee scale is used to determine the cost for representation. The Law Center has been serving the underprivileged communities of Southwest Louisiana since 1967 with measurable success and are proud of the deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality of service to clients.