The signs are plentiful, but the buy-unobtainable, at least for many trying to break into the housing market across Southern California for the very first time.

Joshua Thompson is in the market, but as a renter in Ontario, he thought buying in his community was out of reach, until he heard about a new program being offered by the city.

"Something like this could totally change the game for me," Thompson said.

A game changer, as Ontario is offering up free cash in its "Keys to Community" Program.

Helen McAlary is the executive director of Community Life and Culture. She said the pilot program is offering up to $160,000 for a combination of downpayment assistance, fixing up the inside and beautifying the outside. But unlike other first-time home buyer programs, if you stay, you don't hav

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