Saving up for a down payment in Denver is hard. With the help of Wells Fargo, 247 low-income people from the metro area will get a $15,000 boost.

It’s part of the company’s LIFT program, which is returning to Denver after its first appearance in 2014. This time, the program will make it easier for first responders and teachers to participate.

The LIFT program gives out down payment assistance to people who are making under 80 percent of area median income. For teachers, first responders, military members, surviving spouses and veterans, the limit is 100 percent of area median income.

“Ways and opportunities to bring in more partners like Wells Fargo and CRHDC who can help us expand affordability for more of our workforce, our family teachers, our firemen, we welcome that chance to partner and continue to leverage the investments that the city makes around issues of affordability,” said Erik Soliván, executive director of the Denver Office of Housing and Opportunities for People Everywhere.

If selected, participants have 60 days to get a home under contract, though there is the possibility of a 30-day extension if that proves difficult. But another change from 2014 is that participants can buy in Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe or Douglas County, instead of just Denver County.

But with homeowner education, the hope is that buyers will be prepared to enter the market for success.

To get the ball rolling for a chance at the $15,000 down payment assistance, clear your calendar on Sept. 8 and 9, preregister for the Wells Fargo kick-off event, and bring documents that help determine your eligibility.

“We’ve been to events where people come to the door and they don’t think it’s real, they think it’s too good to be true,” said Wells Fargo’s Kimberly Smith-Moore, Senior VP of customer grant programs. “But you can come to an event and possibly leave on the path to $15,000 down payment.”