Capital Area Finance Authority seeks parish permission to continue down‑payment assistance bond program

Kristen Delahusi of the Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA) asked the Cameron Parish Police Jury for permission to continue CAFA’s down‑payment assistance work in the parish.

Delahusi explained CAFA issues tax‑exempt bonds to fund down‑payment and closing‑cost assistance for first‑time home buyers and that prior tranches were exhausted. CAFA is seeking parish approval to participate in another bond issuance that will be sold in tranches; she estimated the next round could be rolled out in July or August if parish and bond‑commission steps proceed. She said the assistance is offered through participating lenders and realtors — lenders process the loans and may offer up to about 4% assistance for down payment and closing costs — and emphasized the program poses "no risk to the parish."

Delahusi offered to provide outreach and training to local lenders, realtors and the public and encouraged the parish to publicize the program through county communication channels.

Why it matters: Cameron Parish cited a shortage of first‑time home buyers and affordability barriers including insurance and regulation; CAFA’s assistance could help qualified buyers cover down payments or closing costs and be stacked with other local or bank programs. Jurors asked about CAFA’s marketing and how borrowers enroll; Delahusi said CAFA relies on lender partnerships, realtor trainings and social media.

Next steps: Jurors did not vote during the morning session; Delahusi asked for permission to continue outreach and to seek final sign‑off after bond‑commission steps are complete.