ATLANTIC CITY--Going green is a term that is used to describe energy efficient ways to save. And for one local family, going green will not only save them money down the road, but has brought them back together after years of separation thanks to the efforts of a community.

The American dream of owning a home has become a reality for the Robles family. After being separated for a number of years the family of 5 from he Dominican Republic can now say they are homeowners.

"Now we're living together a big family, that's what we wanted from the beginning to live all together, we're really happy with the beautiful house," said son, Juan Robles.

The 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half bathroom, upstairs downstairs home on North Virginia Avenue, was 2 weeks away from being demolished, when Dekbon Community Development Corp, came in to find the roof on the first floor of the brick structure.

Executive Director of Dekbon Community Development Corp. Kim White said, "And we came in and said let's try and we got in here and made it beautiful for a nice family to live in, that works and lives in Atlantic City and it's affordable that's the most important part."

The family was introduced to Donna Harris the Assistant Director of Redevelopment for the City of Atlantic City, who suggested they apply for an assistance program.

"They fit within the criteria for our program and we were able to provide them with down payment assistance along with great affordable green house in Atlantic City.," according to Donna Harris, Assistant Director of Redevelopment for the city of Atlantic City.

White said, "All energy star appliances, energy star furnace and energy star doors which will save this family hundreds of dollars in energy costs every year."

The Robles family received $20,000 in down payment assistance and with the first time home buyers tax credit: officials say even more could be available.

Shawn O'Brien with Keller Williams Reality says, "That's addition to the $20,000 so probably $28,000 depending on your guidelines so that is a definite help for buyers to get in."

"We will have funding for the program within a foreseeable future so that should not be a concern, I would encourage everyone to try explore the process..try," Harris said.

A process that the Robles family tried and has since made them even more connected.

Juan Robles said, "When I have a problem they try to help me, so we are a real close family, more close and real happy."


"It's a wonderful feeling to go home at night and know have helped someone in a significant way so I sleep well at night, I love my job," said Harris.

Thanks to the collaborative effort with all involved the Robles family says now their dream has become a reality.