Familes in Need Get Dream Homes in Harlem

(Harlem-WABC, October 3, 2005) (WABC) -- In Harlem today there was a call to house poor families in New York City and around the world. Homes were dedicated for six needy families this morning a gesture many hope will catch on.

Eyewitness News reporter Carolina Tarazona is live in Harlem with the story.

This is the first time two-year-old Tye Wise will have his own room. The Wise family now lives in a one bedroom apartment in Harlem with there three boys. Today they expect, marvel and admire what will soon be their new home.

Judy Wise, New Homeowner: "We've always wished to be homeowners and then to be able to own in Manhattan. This is just so wonderful..in Harlem.."

Carolina Tarozona: "Could you have done this any other way?"

Judy Wise: "No, no way."

A dream come true for them and six other families. A five-story Brownstone on West 128th was gutted, renovated and refreshed so these low income families can own their very first property.

Tyrone Wise: New Homeowner: "Everyday we were here, every weekend, every Friday, putting in eight hours a day--sweating.. building the place...repairs, everything."

Habitat for Humanity, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the Earth Institute at Columbia made this all possible but each family had to put 300 hours of what they call "sweat equity". That allows them to own each apartment with a low mortgage rate and no money down.

The Wise family won't be moving in today but they're hoping to have their keys just in time for the holidays.

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