HOUSTON – In Houston’s Near Northside, the falling leaves signify a change in the air. But there's more happening this neighborhood than just a change in seasons. 

Crystal Martinez takes great delight in decorating her home inside and out. It is not just because she enjoys the holidays, it's because this is her very first home.

She purchased the house through the Avenue Community Development Corporation with help from the city.  Avenue CDC is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Washington Avenue and the Near Northside by creating affordable housing.

“I think it's really important, because we're in the low income side of town. But with these homes help you stabilized, and they are affordable,” said Crystal Martinez, new homeowner.

The monthly mortgage payments for an Avenue CDD home range between $600 to $800 a month.  Plus, the new homes have replaced some of the blight in the community.

“When we purchased the land, the site contained a chicken processing facility that had been closed for many years. It had become an eyesore for the community,” said Mary Lawler, Avenue CDC Executive Director.

Now, just a few blocks away Avenue CDC has acquired a 20 acre site which was the location of the former Fed Ex freight facility. This land will be their biggest development project so far.

In eight years, Avenue CDC said it has leveraged more than $36 million in investments. This included the development of 79 single family homes.