DECATUR,Ga. -- There are an estimated 7,000 foreclosed homes in DeKalb County that are either eyesores or attract crime. Many of the foreclosures are due to the economy.

Now, the county hopes to turn a economic downturn into an upswing by having officers, fire rescue and other first responders buy these homes.

The hope is to keep crime at bay and officers closer to home.

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis introduced the program at a news conference Monday.

"The inventory of high quality, middle class empty homes in Dekalb neighborhoods presents us with an opportunity for our officers to achieve the American Dream," Ellis said

The program would tap a special fund in which those eligible would receive up to $25,000 towards closing costs, a down payment or second mortgage.

They’d have to meet specific requirements of the program and stay in their home between 5 and 10 years, depending upon the amount of money they receive.

DeKalb County Detective Crystal Caraballo said, “it’s a very good opportunity, having your down payment paid for you.”

Several homeowners associations and neighborhood watch groups from across DeKalb say having an officer next door would ease their minds.

"It's an opportunity for people to see police officers as not just officers, but as human beings and people just doing their jobs," said East Lake Homeowners Association member Brenda Pace.