Ask someone about their American Dream, and chances are they’ll mention owning a home.

But for first-time buyers, the road to homeownership is a maze of complicated paperwork, decisions and dollar signs. So, where can they turn for guidance?

In Jackson, Mississippi, aspiring homeowners can turn to Housing Education and Economic Development (HEED), a nonprofit that offers free readiness classes and personalized counseling for first-time, low- and moderate-income buyers.

To boost these efforts, Cadence Bank and four other community banks, collaborating with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), recently awarded $58,500 to HEED, fueling stronger housing counseling programs across Mississippi.

"This funding will significantly enhance our ability to empower more Mississippi residents on their journey to stable, affordable housing."

Charles Harris, HEED Executive Director

The grants, backed by FHLB Dallas’ Partnership Grant Program (PGP), will help HEED expand its services and reach more prospective homebuyers searching for affordable solutions.

Cadence Bank’s Jackson Market President Michael Booker adds that the grants will also allow HEED to keep helping families at risk of losing their homes navigate tough financial circumstances. “These grants mean HEED can equip more Mississippi families with the tools and guidance to stay in their homes and build long-term financial stability,” he says.

The FHLB Dallas PGP matches member contributions of up to $25,000 to support community organizations like HEED, which promote affordable housing and economic development.

“By supplementing our members’ support, we’re creating a ripple effect—tackling the root challenges of affordable housing and helping communities move toward greater stability and opportunity,” says Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

About Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank (NYSE: CADE) is a $53 billion regional bank committed to helping people, companies and communities prosper. With more than 390 locations spanning the South and Texas, Cadence offers comprehensive banking, investment, trust and mortgage products and services to meet the needs of individuals, businesses and corporations. Accolades include being recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report and as a 2025 America’s Best Banks by Forbes. Cadence has dutifully served customers for nearly 150 years. Learn more at www.cadencebank.com. Cadence Bank, Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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.

Representatives from five FHLB Dallas member institutions, including Cadence Bank’s Michael D. Booker (second from left), came together to present a $58,500 Partnership Grant Program check to Housing Education and Economic Development Inc. (HEED) supporting housing counseling initiatives across Mississippi.

This article is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the content in the article. The article is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.