PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Emma Burley has been living in her new home for two months.
She is no stranger to home ownership, but this time was a little different.
"I've been in Port Arthur for 25 years," Burley said. " When they told me where the house was going to be placed, I said um, no. "
Her opinion soon changed.
" I'm comfortable here. I feel secure here."
Legacy Community Development Corporation is responsible for that feeling.
In an effort to revitalize downtown, they have teamed up with the City of Port Arthur and the Economic Development Corporation.
The program is called "Live It Up Downtown".
"It's a family-oriented neighborhood, so yea, it's good," Burley said.
The program's goal is to build 30 homes by the end of May, between Atlanta and Nashville Avenues and from Fourth to Seventh Streets.
They hope this will bring more homeowners to the area and have a domino effect.
"Hopefully at the end result, businesses will come to put Port Arthur where it should be," Housing Counselor Farrell Hurt said.
Homeowners have something to gain, too.
Legacy Community Development Corporation helps families every step of the way, from application to keys.
"Each homeowner will have their own ideal plan for home ownership. It's created to base around your income," Hurt said. "It's created based upon your family size as well as your credit, so we team up with these homeowners to set a goal in mind."
Emma said everyone should strive to become a homeowner.
"At the end, you come out with so many advantages," she said.
She said it makes her happy to know she is helping to rebuild her city.
Anyone who is seeking more information on the Legacy Community Development Corporation can call (409) 832-2723.
