Christmas came early for some first time homeowners in a newly revitalized South Dallas neighborhood.
Habitat For Humanity joined forces with the Innercity Community Development Corporation to celebrate revitalization in South Dallas on Saturday.
The Frazier Courtyard homes, located on Clifford Jackson Street in South Dallas, are a new community of homes for families and single individuals who qualify.
Five new families moved into their homes on Saturday, including Dan Benton, a legal assistant for 10 years, who has never owned a home.
"I think it's going to bring it to life, economic retailers; the vision that they have for it, I think it’s going to re-lift in this area," says Benton.
Each family or individual had to work on Habitat homes, pass a credit check, prove they could make the payments and take home ownership education courses.
Bill Hall, CEO for the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, says they had to tear down the old to bring in the new.
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"It's actually an old housing authority barrack type housing that was torn down. Dallas Housing Authority envisioned we needed more ownership in this area," says Hall.
The Frazier Courtyard area will offer 51 homes, including 13 for single occupants. The project has completed 40 homes so far.
Benton says he believes the project will help the surrounding businesses and improve the future of the community.
"I've learned that when you purchase a home you are more apt to vote, more apt to be more involved in the community settings, you look out for one another more."
