Down payment assistance…Working to make home ownership more affordable, the West Cook County Housing Collaborative is offering $10,000 in down payment assistance for select updated and rehabbed homes in the area. The collaborative is a partnership created by Bellwood, Berwyn, Forest Park, Maywood and Oak Park to address the problems of high foreclosure rates. Financing and the supply of homes is limited. To apply, call the West Cook Homeownership Center at 708.771.5801 to schedule an appointment. An application also is posted at www.WestCookHomeownership.org.First-time buyer seminars…Individuals interested in learning more about buying a first home and securing a mortgage are invited to attend a free seminar presented each month by the Oak Park Regional Housing Center. Seminars are offered at 7 p.m., on the fourth Tuesday of every month in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. For more information, call 708.771.5801.