$142K Grant from FHLB Dallas and First Federal Bank of Louisiana Enables Nonprofit to Help Louisiana Homeowners Resolve Property Ownership Issues

LAKE CHARLES, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A $142,401 Pathway Fund grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member institution First Federal Bank of Louisiana, will significantly expand Project Build a Future’s (PBAF) ability to help families resolve heirs’ property challenges, clear long‑standing title issues and protect generational wealth in Louisiana’s Calcasieu Parish.

Representatives from both banks joined PBAF today for a check presentation to celebrate the grant and highlight its impact.

PBAF will use the grant to expand attorney partnerships to provide direct services for clients needing help with heirs’ property issues. The grant will also support expanded educational workshops, small group sessions and one‑on‑one guidance on estate planning, wills and successions.

“Every week, we meet families who are at risk of losing homes that have been in their family for decades simply because the title was never updated or a will was never prepared,” PBAF Executive Director Charla Blake said. “This grant allows us to intervene and give families the tools they need to protect their property for generations to come.”

First Federal Bank of Louisiana, now partnering with PBAF for the third consecutive year on a Pathway Fund grant, emphasized the vital role of the program in PBAF’s educational outreach and legal aid model.

“We are honored to work with FHLB Dallas to support Project Build a Future and the essential work they do to strengthen housing stability in our community,” said Melissa Dickson, assistant vice president, CRA manager, First Federal Bank of Louisiana. “By directly addressing heirs’ property challenges, the Pathway Fund program helps families maintain their homes and build a more secure financial future.”

The funds were part of $4.3 million in Pathway Fund grants FHLB Dallas awarded through members in 2025, including more than $1.7 million in Louisiana.

“This grant supports life‑changing work for families who might otherwise have no access to affordable legal services,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “The Pathway Fund enables First Federal Bank of Louisiana and Project Build a Future to assist Louisiana residents in clearing property obstacles and creating a more secure path forward.”

Applications for the 2026 Pathway Fund will be accepted beginning August 3, with $3 million available. Interested organizations should apply through an FHLB Dallas member. FHLB Dallas does not award grants directly to consumers or organizations.

Learn more about the Pathway Fund.

About 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 investment 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 $108.5 billion as of December 31, 2025, 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.