First-time homebuyers get a boost: Dupaco offers FHLB Home$tart grants

Dubuque, Iowa—Dupaco Credit Union is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to help first-time homebuyers take the leap into homeownership through the Home$tart program. This initiative provides up to $15,000 in assistance, applied as a credit toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers beginning their homeownership journey.

First-time buyers represent a significant share of Dupaco’s mortgage lending: In 2025, over 54% of the financial cooperatives’ primary residence mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. According to National Association of REALTORS, between July 2024 and June 2025 first-time homebuyers made up just 21% of all U.S. home purchases. This is the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981. Programs like Home$tart are critical to helping more families achieve the dream of owning a home.

“At Dupaco, we believe homeownership should be within reach for everyone,” said Laurie Von Ah, Senior Mortgage Lending Consultant at Dupaco. “The Home$tart program allows us to provide meaningful financial assistance and personalized guidance, so first-time buyers can feel confident and supported throughout the process.”

Affordable housing and homeownership are cornerstones of strong communities. Through innovative mortgage programs and personalized guidance, Dupaco helps first-time buyers take the leap into homeownership. This commitment goes beyond financing. It’s about removing barriers, creating pathways to generational wealth and building long-term stability for members and the communities they call home.

For more information about the Home$tart program and to apply, visit dupaco.com/firsthome.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.