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Under HUD's Dollar Homes Initiative, the Indian River Board of County Commissioners bought the home and turned it over to the Homeless Services Council. Given the serious deterioration of the property, the $1 paid by the County belied the true costs of making the home habitable - as the 'before' picture shows. However, the local partners had plans to turn-around the property just as the family had turned around its life. The property was transferred to the Council and the transformation began.

Renovations included a new roof, windows, air conditioning, heating, plumbing, electrical, kitchen cupboards, floor coverings, drywall, painting, landscaping, driveway and appliances. Harbor Federal Savings Bank provided a $23,000 low interest rehab loan, as well as $42,000 in permanent financing (at 0 percent). All work was done by professional contractors and members of Genesis Church of Religious Science, and the results were almost miraculous.

To complete the deal, the Indian River Homeless Services Council provided the down payment and, along with members of Genesis and the Board of Samaritan Center, donated all the furnishings the family would need to move in - down to sheets for the beds. With the help of HUD, the local government, good citizens and compassionate local groups, another homeless family in Florida was able to stand tall to beat the odds and find their own American Dream.