$150K grant from FHLB Dallas and Community Bank of Mississippi to assist North Mississippi Rural Legal Services to help homeowners resolve property titles

JANS – The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas), through its member Community Bank of Mississippi, awarded a $150,000 Pathway Fund grant to North Mississippi Rural Legal Services (NMRLS) to help address homeownership title issues.

“This funding will allow us to reach more people who otherwise would have no access to legal help,” said Ben Thomas Cole II, executive director of NMRLS.

NMRLS is a nonprofit that provides civil legal representation to low-income homeowners in 39 counties in northern Mississippi. The grant will help NMRLS expand its outreach and services, to address heirs’ property issues, which involve not having clear title to a property, which can affect selling the property or passing it down to heirs. The grant was awarded during a ceremonial check presentation in Tupelo, Mississippi.

“Legal support is often the missing piece for families trying to maintain stability,” said Rieko Wells, vice president and CRA officer at Community Bank of Mississippi. “We’re proud to partner with NMRLS and FHLB Dallas to make these critical services available across northern Mississippi.”

Greg Hettrick, senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas, said the Pathway Fund is designed to create lasting impact.

“Organizations like NMRLS provide essential services that help families protect their homes and their futures,” Hettrick said. “We’re honored to support their work and the positive change they bring to communities.”

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, with $3 million available.

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 at https://www.fhlb.com/community-programs/homeownership-and-homebuyer-programs/pathway-fund.