Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Homewise Provide $25K Grant to Help Santa Fe, New Mexico, Family Achieve Homeownership

Down Payment Assistance Program Assists with Housing Affordability

SANTA FE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) Homebuyer Equity Leverage Partnership (HELP) grant made homeownership possible for Ricky Corriz and his family by providing down payment assistance. The grant was awarded through FHLB Dallas member Homewise.

“Ever since we had our first son (now 12), my partner and I always wanted something stable for our family,” said Mr. Corriz, 33, of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Now with three children, including a 5-year-old son and a 7-month-old baby, the family’s dream has come true.

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. The next round of funding, $3.4 million, opened on June 15. HELP grants are only available through participating FHLB Dallas member institutions. FHLB Dallas does not award grants directly to consumers. A list of participating members can be found at fhlb.com.

“Mr. Corriz’s journey shows how financial education, patience and the right support can turn dreams into reality,” said Colleen Constance Franco, creative project director with Homewise. “We’re proud to partner with FHLB Dallas to help families like Mr. Corriz’s achieve lasting stability.”

Mr. Corriz said the process took about two years due, in part, to the high cost of housing in Santa Fe and the difficulty in finding an affordable home.

The family’s dream came true earlier this year when they moved into their new four-bedroom home located near their children’s school.

“The HELP grant is about more than financial assistance,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “It’s about empowering families to build a foundation for their future. Hearing the Corriz family’s journey reminds us why these programs matter.”

Mr. Corriz said the HELP grant gave him the boost he needed to get into a new home, and make him feel settled, happy and accomplished.

“I’m grateful for the grant,” he said. “For any first-time homebuyer, regardless of age, I really recommend looking into the HELP program. It changed our lives.”

About Homewise

A better way to buy a home means buying a safe, high-quality, affordable home with low-cost financing, equipped with knowledge and solid financial habits. Homewise brings all the steps to buy and own a home under one roof. Our services and products empower our customers with knowledge and financial skills, provide them with affordable homes and lending products, and support them as partners both before and after the home purchase.

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 $97.1 billion as of March 31, 2026, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced loans and other credit products to approximately 780 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit fhlb.com.