A Milwaukee family has a new home just in time for Christmas.
Through happy tears, Neva Gaines and her husband Robert showed their gratitude to the program that helped them buy their home in the Sherman Park neighborhood.
"It takes a lot of faith and a lot of sacrifice so thank you so much," Neva said.
The Gaines family is ACTS Housing's 2,500th home owner.
ACTS Housing helps families rehab formerly vacant or vandalized homes as a way to save on housing costs. That leaves families money for renovations.
"We'll do all the painting," Neva said. "We do have contractors for stucco on the outside."
Small changes that are a big step from the rental property they came from.
"The house was literally separating from the foundation."
But now they own their own home.
"When I saw the glass doors I knew this was going to be our house," said Neva.
With touches they love and some money to renovate the things that need touching up.
"I don't want maroon ceilings," Neva said.
A new home in time for Christmas in a neighborhood that welcomed them with open arms.
"We really appreciate you being here and we're here to support you in any way possible," said Mabel Lamb of the Sherman Park Community Association.
The family even received a $500 check for new furniture from Steinhafels.
