News 12 @ 11 o'clock--July 29, 2008

AIKEN, SC-- As Denise Jones cleans around her home, she hopes she'll never have to clean these particular concrete floors again.

"Today I'm sweeping the floor hopefully by next week I will be mopping and vacuuming because this is a hard job, " said Denise.

Denise is one of many who's planning move into the new Stoney-Gallman townhomes in Aiken. On her way to the dedication ceremony, Denise looks forward to all the new home will bring.

"It'll mean alot, we'll have carpet on the floors, we'll have central heat and air. I won't need no more air conditioners. I'm real excited, " said Denise.

She'll leave her small window unit behind when she and her children move into their new home. The benefits for Denise don't stop there. Her children will benefit too. They'll be able to walk to and from school. Schofield Middle is right across the street from the new townhomes and Denise says its a better opportunity for her children.

"They're so excited because my sixth and seventh graders can walk across the street and I can stand at my door and watch them cross the street and back."

For Denise, that's just an added bonus to moving.

"I'm very excited. I'm really excited. See how they look? They're beautiful, so I'm very, very excited. I can't wait to move."

A new home, a new school and a new start for Denise and her family.

"I'm lucky, I'm blessed you know. That's all I can say."

There is an application process to get a home at Stoney-Gallman.
You'll have to take life skill classes to teach them about things like money management and housekeeping.
When all the homes are finished, there will be a total of 44 families in the homes.

Anyone interested can apply by calling the Aiken housing authority at (803) 649- 6673.