About Shalom Center
Q1: What is the Shalom Center?
A: Shalom Center is a HUD-approved, faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1997. We provide comprehensive housing counseling, financial literacy education, and advocacy services to help low- and moderate-income families in Los Angeles and Orange Counties achieve and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.
Q2: Where are you located?
A: Shalom Center is based in Los Angeles, California, and serves clients throughout Los Angeles County and Orange County. Our office address is 2975 Wilshire Blvd Suite 415, Los Angeles, CA 90010.
Q3: Who can receive services from Shalom Center?
A: Our services are open to everyone, with a focus on assisting minority, immigrant, limited English proficiency, disabled, elderly, and low-income households.
First-Time Homebuyer Questions
Q4: Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?
A: A first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned and occupied a primary residence within the past three years.
Q5: Why should I take a homebuyer education class?
A: Homebuyer education helps you understand the entire process—from budgeting and credit to mortgage options and closing. It prepares you to make confident decisions and may be required to qualify for certain down payment assistance or loan programs. Homebuyer Education Certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of completion.
Q6: What are the benefits of being a first-time homebuyer?
A: First-time buyers often qualify for special programs such as down payment assistance, lower interest rates, tax credits, and government-backed loans (like FHA, VA, or USDA). These benefits make homeownership more affordable and accessible.
Q7: How much money do I need for a down payment as a first-time homebuyer?
A: The amount depends on the loan type and the assistance programs you qualify for. Some programs allow as little as 3% down or even zero down for eligible buyers using combined down payment assistance.
Q8: Can I buy a home anywhere as a first-time buyer?
A: Yes, but eligibility for some assistance programs depends on your location. Certain areas—called “targeted census tracts”—offer expanded benefits to encourage homeownership in specific neighborhoods.
Homebuyer Programs, Counseling, Downpayment Assistance Programs (DAP)
Q9: What are down payment assistance (DPA) programs?
A: DPA programs provide grants, deferred loans, or forgivable loans to help first-time homebuyers cover their down payment or closing costs. These programs are designed to make homeownership more affordable, especially for low- and moderate-income households.
Q10: What types of DPA programs are available?
A: Several programs are available through state, county, and city agencies, including:
- CalHFA programs such as the Dream For All, MyHome, and CalPLUS programs
- Local city or county assistance programs offering deferred or forgivable loans
- Nonprofit and lender-based programs that offer matching funds or grants
Our counselors can help you identify the best options for your financial situation and target area.
Q11: Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify for down payment assistance?
A: Most programs require that you be a first-time homebuyer (someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years), but some exceptions apply—such as if you are purchasing in a designated target area or are a qualified veteran.
Q12: How much assistance can I receive?
A: The amount of assistance varies by program. Some provide a fixed grant (for example, $10,000–$25,000), while others offer a percentage of the home’s purchase price—often between 3% and 5%. Your eligibility depends on your income, credit, and location.
Q13: Do down payment assistance programs have income limits?
A: Yes. Each program has its own income limits based on the Area Median Income (AMI). Our counselors can help you determine your income category and whether you qualify under 2024–2025 AMI guidelines for Los Angeles and Orange Counties.
Q14: Can I combine more than one assistance program?
A: In some cases, yes. Certain programs allow layering—combining multiple assistance sources—to increase affordability. However, eligibility and program rules must align. Our team will guide you through which programs can be combined safely and effectively.
Q15: How long does it take to get approved for down payment assistance?
A: The timeline varies depending on the program and lender, but typically takes between 30–60 days from application to approval. Completing your education and submitting all required documentation early can speed up the process.
Affordable & Manufactured Housing
Q16: What is Shalom Center doing to promote affordable housing?
A: We are developing partnerships with local governments, developers, and lenders to promote manufactured homes and other affordable housing solutions for first-time homebuyers.
Q17: What is a manufactured home?
A: Manufactured homes are factory-built housing units that meet federal safety standards (HUD Code). They provide a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to traditional homes and help make homeownership more affordable.
Financial Literacy & Youth Programs
Q18: What financial literacy programs do you offer?
A: We provide workshops and counseling on budgeting, saving, credit improvement, debt management, and responsible homeownership.
Q19: Do you offer programs for youth?
A: Yes. Through our financial literacy initiatives, we aim to empower the young generation in Los Angeles and Orange Counties to make informed financial decisions and build long-term financial stability.
Events & Community Engagement
Q20: Does Shalom Center host community events?
A: Yes. We hold quarterly homebuyer fairs and financial literacy events that bring together lenders, realtors, and community partners to educate and connect families to housing opportunities.
Q21: Can my organization partner with Shalom Center?
A: Absolutely. We welcome partnerships with nonprofits, government agencies, realtors, and financial institutions to expand our outreach and impact.
Contact & Support
Q22: How can I contact Shalom Center?
A: You can reach us by phone, email, or through our website contact form. (You can fill in the actual contact info here.)
Q23: Are services available in other languages?
A: Yes. We offer services in multiple languages including English and Korean to serve our diverse communities.