GALVESTON (December 23, 2009)—The homes of 15 Galveston-area families that were damaged by Hurricane Ike have been rebuilt, just in time for Christmas.

Resident Maria Huerta said, "My heart is here" after she entered her restored home Tuesday.

A Christmas tree was in the living room.

Huerta's residence is among 154 that Galveston County Restore and Rebuild have rebuilt since Ike slammed the area in September 2008.

The effort is a partnership of 35 charity and social service groups.

Joe Higgs with Gulf Coast Interfaith said about $2 million in private donations funded the work.

About $3.5 million in federal funds will help pay for more rebuilding in 2010.

The goal is to restore about 250 more Ike-damaged homes next year.

The city and Galveston County recently received federal housing assistance totaling about $232 million.