Brenda Hawkins writes for the Collier Citizen on October 15th, 2008

It’s like television’s “Extreme Makeover," except in reverse.

Instead of finding families in need and improving their homes, the founders of Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone locates homes in need and improve them for find eligible families.

“I’m tickled to death with what we’ve done," says John Barlow, founder of HOME, Inc. “Go look at it and see if you don’t get excited. Some family is going to love it."

Located in Golden Gate Citiy, the former ramshackle house shines like a mini version of Extreme Makeover, thanks to the efforts of HOME, local retailers, contractors, county government, bank representatives, good Samaritans and an army of volunteers.

Through the combined efforts of these groups, a qualified, first-time homebuyer will now be able to acquire the house for a mortgage of around $125,000.

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