The popular ABC prime time series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is looking for families to affect in the West Alabama region.

“At least one of the executive producers has been out there to visit,” casting director Jackie Topacio said. “And he felt like this is a place where we could really do some good. That is a place that could use some revitalization and change.”

According to a press release issued by the Extreme Makeover crew, the creative team behind the show is seeking deserving families who stand out in their respective communities.

“We are in search of true deserving families – people who have amazing strength

of character and who put their own needs aside to help others,” the release reads. “Whether its a mom, a soldier, a teacher, or a fireman, we think anyone who inspires those around them may be a great candidate! In addition, the producers are looking for families whose houses need major alterations or repair- homes that present serious problems for the family and affect the family’s quality of life.”

In addition to its customary search criteria, Topacio and her colleagues are putting a special emphasis on families that do not own their own homes.

“This season Extreme Makeover is also looking for families, who do not own their own homes, so long as land is available through other sources, a nonprofit, city or county,” the press release explained.

“A family must also be able to show producers how a makeover will make a huge difference in their lives.”

Once a family is selected, the Extreme Makeover team will rely on donations and volunteer work to build a home in only seven days.

“There’s nothing more that brings a city together than doing something like that,” Topacio said. “Everything on this show is based on donations. It’d be great. It’d be really great thing for the city.”

Nominations for families can be submitted to Topacio via e-mail at castwestalabama@gmail.com and should include the names and ages of each member of the household, a description of the major challenges within the home, a detailed explanation of why the family is deserving, or a positive role model in its community, photos of the family and a photo of the home and the address and contact number for the family.

“This season that we are casting is season eight,” Topacio said. “The beginning of the season would be later this fall. We receive thousands of nominations. It is a process.”