Christmas comes early for a number of people who get to move into their new homes ahead of the holiday. Our Erin Connolly has more on Albany's Habitat for Humanity.

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ALBANY, N.Y. --It's a fresh start for the Patterson family. They're moving into a two-story townhome in Albany's South End neighborhood. It's one of 12 new homes on Alexander and Delaware Streets completed by Habitat for Humanity Capital District.

Homeowner Lloyd Patterson said, "Habitat has transformed this community because Habitat has a vision and to accomplish the vision has become a reality today that we can walk into our new homes.''

It took 2,000 volunteers a total of 30,000 hours to build the LEED certified homes. Many public and private sponsors also contributed to the 16 month project.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Caniesha Arrington said, "It means a lot. It really does. Now when we walk down the street or even drive past it we can say that we helped do that.''

The more than one million dollar project continues the revitalization effort in the South End community. An area with a rich history and one that some say has its best days ahead.

Albany Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin said, "I think projects like this go along with making sure the city of Albany is a community that anyone would be proud to live in and want to call home.''

Building houses to help build a future.

Patterson said, "We'll continue to transform this neighborhood with community work. I myself will organize a team that we will go and get it done.''

McLaughlin said, "I believe so goes the South End of Albany, so goes the City of Albany.''

By next spring, an additional four homes will be finished. This is the largest project ever completed by Habitat for Humanity Capital District.