FHLB Dallas & Red River Bank Grant $145K to 3 Louisiana Nonprofits
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) recently awarded $145,080 in grants through its Heirs’ Property Program to three organizations dedicated to assisting families in Louisiana with securing clear property titles. The grants were presented at a ceremonial check presentation event and were distributed to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) ($100,000), East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity ($20,080), and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana ($25,000). These funds, awarded through FHLB Dallas member Red River Bank, aim to help residents resolve heirs’ property title issues, thereby ensuring that families can maintain ownership of their homes for generations to come.
Expanding Legal and Educational Support
The issue of heirs’ property arises when property is inherited without a clear will or legal documentation of ownership. This lack of clarity often creates complications in transferring property ownership across generations, making it difficult for families to retain and benefit from their inherited homes. The grants provided by FHLB Dallas are set to play a crucial role in helping families address these legal challenges and secure their property rights.
East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity plans to use the funds to expand its “We WILL Leave a Legacy” program, which is designed to prevent heirs’ property issues before they arise. The program focuses on creating simple wills and healthcare directives for 50 individuals, ensuring that their property and assets are legally protected and that their wishes are clearly documented. Additionally, the funding will support training and educational initiatives for an estimated 100 individuals, covering critical topics such as estate planning, property rights, and legal documentation. To further safeguard these legal arrangements, the grant will also help cover costs associated with storing and certifying copies of wills with the local clerk of the court.
Kentrell Jones, Executive Director and CEO of East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the significance of this funding, stating, “It’s so important for families to be able to keep their homes in the family and secure a clear transfer of title. These funds are a big boost to our education programs, allowing us to reach more people and provide essential legal services that can prevent future disputes and financial hardships.”
Legal Assistance for Homeowners in Southeast Louisiana
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS), the largest grant recipient, will use its $100,000 in funding to support legal aid initiatives aimed at protecting the homes of more than 100 vulnerable homeowners across 22 parishes in southeast Louisiana. By offering in-person legal clinics, virtual and in-person “Know Your Rights” events, and collaborating with other grantees, SLLS will provide crucial guidance to families dealing with property title issues. Homeowners will also have access to legal professionals via walk-in, online, and telephone assistance programs, ensuring that support is readily available.
Laura Tuggle, Executive Director of SLLS, highlighted the impact of the grant, stating, “We are proud to team up with FHLB Dallas, Red River Bank, and key stakeholders to safeguard legacies and to make our community more resilient to future disasters through heirs’ property resolution work. These legal services are essential in helping families avoid losing their homes due to unresolved property claims.”
Heirs’ property challenges can be particularly problematic in disaster-prone areas, as unclear property titles often prevent homeowners from qualifying for disaster relief, home improvement loans, or government assistance programs. By addressing these legal issues proactively, SLLS aims to enhance community resilience and prevent displacement in times of crisis.
Financial Literacy and Wealth Planning
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) received a $25,000 grant to support financial literacy and wealth-planning workshops. These workshops are designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to make informed decisions regarding homeownership, property management, and generational wealth-building. Participants will receive guidance on essential financial topics, including budgeting, tax planning, and tailored wealth-building strategies specific to heirs’ property owners.
Michael Williamson, President and CEO of UWSELA, emphasized the importance of financial education in protecting assets and building long-term stability. “At United Way, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to earn a living that can sustain a family and build security for future generations. That means equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their property and assets. We’re grateful that our partners have faith in United Way’s approach and expert financial capability to create lasting change for Southeast Louisiana families through this generous grant.”
By empowering individuals with financial knowledge and estate-planning strategies, UWSELA aims to reduce the risk of heirs’ property disputes and ensure that families can retain control over their homes.
The Impact of Unclear Property Titles
Heirs’ property issues are a significant concern in many communities, particularly in the South, where inherited land and homes are often passed down informally without legal documentation. Without a clear title, families may face difficulties in proving ownership, securing financing, or accessing government aid. In some cases, this can lead to the forced sale of properties, leaving families without a home and stripping them of generational wealth.
Jannease Seastrunk, Senior Vice President and Community Relations and CRA Officer at Red River Bank, underscored the risks associated with unclear titles. “Unclear titles can mean heartbreak for families if they are unable to keep their home. These grants help families keep their homes for generations to come by providing the legal and financial support needed to resolve heirs’ property disputes.”
A Broader Initiative to Strengthen Communities
The Heirs’ Property Program is part of a broader initiative by FHLB Dallas to support affordable housing and homeownership across its five-state district, which includes Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico. In 2024 alone, FHLB Dallas and 20 participating members awarded a total of $2 million in funding to 33 organizations, assisting an estimated 560 property owners in clearing their titles and providing educational resources to more than 5,670 individuals.
Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, emphasized the program’s significance in strengthening communities. “The ability to own a home helps not only families but the community itself. The Heirs’ Property Program can give families the extra assistance they need to make sure their family’s future is secure. By resolving title issues and ensuring clear ownership, we are helping to stabilize neighborhoods and promote generational wealth-building.
