New homes built for families in Point Breeze

POINT BREEZE (WPVI) -- On Wednesday, this was vacant land and within hours, you could already see the makings of six new homes.

Habitat for Humanity and more than 50 volunteers flocked to the 2300 blocks of Greenwich and Cross Streets in Point Breeze for three days to build affordable homes for low income families.

"This is one of the best things to happen to me in all of my life," said one family member.

Two partner families were on site helping build. They asked we not identify them.

These homes won't be theirs but they're working to complete 350 hours of sweat equity which will help them earn homes of their own.

Most of these volunteers are from four local builders and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.

They challenged each other to frame these houses in just a few days' time. They'll also install siding and windows, which would all normally take months.

"It's going to save all that time, probably $60,000-80,000 too, so we'll have homeowners in these homes by December," said Frank Monaghan, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.

"That's why we're out here, to help people that may not be as fortunate to purchase a home," said Mark Durkalec, Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters.

Habitat for Humanity says that for every hour of a skilled tradesperson's donated time, they're able to extend more construction and repair services for more people.

"Whatever we're doing, we look forward to going home, we look forward to peace and contentment. Hopefully it's a loving place - we hope to provide that for these families," said Anne Fadullon, Dale Corp.

"For me to be able to provide a safe dwelling for my children where they can grow up and know that's home, that's the best feeling in the world," said another family member.

Some families in Philadelphia struggle to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads according to Habitat for Humanity. For families in this program, a home of their own is a dream come true.