FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney Support Transitional Housing in Patterson, Louisiana, with $1.17M Grant

The grant enabled The Purple Lemon to expand its transitional housing development to 26 units.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:38pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a set of house keys, a wallet, and a small potted plant arranged elegantly on a clean, white background, conceptually representing the transitional housing program's focus on providing the resources and environment for personal growth and stability.A symbolic still life captures the essence of the transitional housing program, providing the tools and support for individuals to rebuild their lives.Patterson Today

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and Hancock Whitney have provided a $1.17 million Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to The Purple Lemon, a faith-based mission, to expand its transitional housing development in Patterson, Louisiana. The upgraded community now offers 26 units of transitional housing and comprehensive supportive services to help residents experiencing homelessness achieve long-term stability.

Why it matters

Transitional housing programs play a crucial role in supporting individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness by providing a safe environment, counseling, job training, and other services to help them rebuild their lives. This grant from FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney enables The Purple Lemon to expand its reach and assist more people in the South Louisiana region.

The details

The AHP grant allowed The Purple Lemon to buy and expand an apartment building to 26 units of transitional housing. The upgraded community provides comprehensive supportive services, including counseling, job training, life-skills education, and support groups to help residents experiencing homelessness achieve long-term stability.

  • The Purple Lemon began providing food and outreach to people experiencing homelessness in 2019.
  • The organization started housing individuals in a leased apartment and providing supportive services in 2020.
  • The $1.17 million AHP grant was awarded in 2026 to enable The Purple Lemon to expand its transitional housing development.

The players

The Purple Lemon

A faith-based mission that provides transitional housing and supportive services to individuals recovering from addictions and homelessness.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas)

One of 11 district banks in the FHLBank System created by Congress in 1932 to support housing and community development.

Hancock Whitney

A financial institution that has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility since the late 1800s.

Stacey Lancaster

The founder and director of The Purple Lemon.

LaCarsha Babers

The vice president and community outreach officer at Hancock Whitney.

Greg Hettrick

The senior vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas.

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What they’re saying

“The AHP grant is helping us change the trajectory for people working to rebuild their lives. With this support, we were able to expand our housing and will be able to provide a safe environment for more residents during their recovery journey.”

— Stacey Lancaster, Founder and Director of The Purple Lemon

“We are honored to support The Purple Lemon in expanding housing for individuals working toward long‑term recovery and independence. We are proud of our relationship with FHLB Dallas that helped bring this project to life.”

— LaCarsha Babers, Vice President and Community Outreach Officer at Hancock Whitney

“The Purple Lemon's commitment to supportive, recovery‑focused housing reflects the impact the Affordable Housing Program is meant to create.”

— Greg Hettrick, Senior Vice President and Director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas

What’s next

The expanded transitional housing development is now open and accepting residents in need of supportive services to aid their recovery and transition to independent living.

The takeaway

This grant from FHLB Dallas and Hancock Whitney demonstrates the important role that public-private partnerships can play in addressing the complex issue of homelessness and addiction recovery by providing comprehensive transitional housing and support services to those in need.