Learn how to get up to $258,000 in downpayment assistance at FACE Homeownership Fair

POMONA, Calif. (KABC) -- Dreaming of owning your own home?

You may have heard about down payment programs that can help make that dream a reality, especially for first-time homebuyers.

But experts reveal some would-be owners could be talking themselves out of a home because of what they don't know.

"I believe that, because of a lot of myths that you need 20% down or maybe even, just, 'I don't have enough income, I don't have enough down payment,' that they actually screened themselves out of ever even aspiring to be a homeowner," Hyepin Im said.

As president and founder of Faith and Community Empowerment, Im leads a HUD-approved counseling agency that has helped more than 16,000 people on their homeownership journey.

On Sept. 13, FACE will host its 29th Homeownership Fair in Pomona from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., connecting participants with resources and education showing what's possible.

Free registration is required for the in-person event at Pilgrim Congregational Church.

"You'll be inspired," Im said. "The fact that there are programs that could be $0 down payment, right, it's just mind blowing."

Im admits the process can be a little complicated for many of these government and bank programs. But, with guidance, you could get connected to up to $258,000 in down payment assistance.

For Louis Mejia, who lost his home in the 2008 housing collapse, the odds of ever owning again felt long off.

Even as he attended an earlier FACE Homeownership Fair, he had his reservations.

"I think a lot of people sitting around me (were) saying, 'I don't know, man, it sounds too good to be true,'" Mejia said.

Bombarded by social media posts highlighting California programs that promised to cover his 20% down payment, Mejia said he was wary, but kept an open mind.

His family ended up receiving a $20,000 grant from his bank, while the City of Los Angeles gave them a $115,000 loan with zero interest.

Today, he's no longer renting, but building wealth for he and his family's future.

"It's not easy, and they won't give it to just anybody, but the money is available," Mejia said.

"The money is real, the assistance is real, but the process is not fun," Im admits. "But that's why we're here, to handhold you and navigate you all the way through to the finish line."

If you would like to register for the fair, you can visit FACELA.org. Seating is limited.

Pilgrim Congregational Church is located at 600 N. Garey Ave., in Pomona.

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