METAIRIE, LOUISIANA, March 5, 2025 — The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) awarded $145,080 in Heirs’ Property Program grants to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services ($100,000), East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity ($20,080) and the United Way of Southeast Louisiana ($25,000) at a ceremonial check presentation recently. The funds, awarded through FHLB Dallas member Red River Bank, will be used to assist residents to resolve heirs’ property title issues in Louisiana.
East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity will use the funds to expand its “We WILL Leave a Legacy” program to prevent heirs’ property issues by providing simple wills and healthcare directives for 50 individuals. The funding will also support training and education for an expected 100 individuals and cover the cost to store and certify copies of wills with the local clerk of the court.
“It’s so important for families to be able to keep their homes in the family and secure a clear transfer of title,” said Executive Director and CEO Kentrell Jones of East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity. “These funds are a big boost to our education programs.”
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) will be able to help more than 100 vulnerable homeowners living in 22 parishes in southeast Louisiana protect their most important asset – their home. They will reach impacted families through in-person legal clinics, virtual and in-person “Know Your Rights” events, as well as partner with other grantees to offer walk-in, online and telephone assistance across their service area.
“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,” said Laura Tuggle, executive director of SLLS.
The United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) funding will support financial literacy and wealth-planning workshops to equip participants with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to make informed homeownership, property management and generational wealth-building decisions. Additionally, participants will receive guidance on budgeting, tax planning and wealth-building strategies tailored specifically to heirs’ property owners.
“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,” said Michael Williamson, UWSELA president and CEO. “We’re grateful 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.”
“Unclear titles can mean heartbreak for families if they are unable to keep their home,” said Jannease Seastrunk, senior vice president and Community Relations and CRA Officer at Red River Bank. “These grants help families keep their homes for generations to come.”
Heirs’ property refers to property inherited without a will or legal documentation of ownership. As property is passed down, each successive generation generally 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.
In 2024, FHLB Dallas and 20 participating members awarded $2 million to 33 organizations in its 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.
“The ability to own a home helps not only families, but the community itself,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. “The Heirs’ Property Program can give families the extra assistance they need to make sure their family’s future is secure.”
For more information about the Heirs’ Property Program, visit fhlb.com/heirs.
Originally posted here