Grant Will Fund Legal Aid that Promotes Housing Stability
JACKSON, Miss.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Community Bank of Mississippi (Community Bank), awarded a $150,000 Pathway Fund grant to Mission First Inc. (Mission First) to help expand services to accessible, affordable legal aid in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties in Mississippi.
The grant, awarded today during a ceremonial check presentation at Community Bank’s offices in Jackson, Mississippi, will help Mission First assist homeowners with heirs’ property issues, which refers to property that doesn’t have a clear title.
“This grant strengthens our ability to serve individuals who often face significant barriers to legal representation,” said Seth Shannon, director of legal aid at Mission First. “We’re grateful for this partnership with Community Bank and FHLB Dallas because it allows us to make a real difference for families in Central Mississippi.”
Rieko Wells, vice president and CRA officer at Community Bank, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment.
“Mission First plays a vital role in helping families overcome challenges that threaten housing stability,” Mr. Wells said. “We’re proud to support their mission and the positive impact they have on the Jackson metro area.”
In 2025, FHLB Dallas awarded $4.3 million in Pathway Fund grants through its members to organizations in its five-state District, including $600,000 in Mississippi. The application window for 2026 is August 3 to August 21, 2026, with $3 million available.
“By investing in organizations like Mission First, we’re helping create opportunities for housing stability in Mississippi,” said Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.
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 Community Bank of Mississippi
Community Bank, who today has $5 billion in assets with 56 offices and over 850 staff members across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Tennessee, has deep traditions when it comes to culture and how they do business. A consistent priority of doing things the right way – scripture on their Marquee’s, a live person answering the phone each time you call and a personal relationship with your banker, have been defining factors in Community Bank’s success for 120 years. Their philosophy of putting the highest of value on taking care of customers, no matter the relationship size, and making their communities better places to live and work has ensured Community Bank is built to last.
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 $112.2 billion as of September 30, 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.
Contacts
Corporate Communications
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
fhlb.com | 214.441.8445
