By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
In a significant step toward assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Bonvenu Bank awarded a $25,000 Heirs’ Property Program grant to the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana on Monday, February 10, 2025. The grant aims to support homeowners with wills, succession planning, and housing education.
The ceremonial check presentation took place at Bonvenu Bank on East Texas Street in Bossier City, where key representatives gathered to celebrate the initiative. Among the attendees were Michael Colston of Bonvenu Bank, Lee Jeter of the Fuller Center, and Bruce Hatton of FHLB Dallas.
“This grant will allow us to expand our outreach and provide much-needed resources to families struggling with property ownership and legal challenges,” said Lee Jeter, Executive Director of the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana.
The Heirs’ Property Program, established by FHLB Dallas, is designed to help low-income individuals and families retain ownership of their homes by providing financial and legal support. Many homeowners, particularly in underserved communities, encounter obstacles when trying to transfer or prove ownership due to a lack of formal wills or proper documentation.
The Fuller Center, a nonprofit organization committed to providing affordable housing solutions, will use the grant to expand services such as legal assistance, educational workshops, and community outreach programs aimed at helping families navigate succession planning and property ownership.
Michael Colston of Bonvenu Bank reiterated the bank’s commitment to community development, saying, “We are honored to be a part of this initiative.
The event marked another milestone in the ongoing effort to support homeownership stability in the region. With the additional funding, the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana aims to empower more families with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain and protect their homes.
For more information on the Heirs’ Property Program and the work of the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana, visit FHLB Dallas or Fuller Center NWLA.