Even though Halloween is still a day away, Christmas will be here before we know it.

And the El Paso Rescue Mission has the perfect gift suggestion: Custom-built playhouses that can be purchased and delivered before the holiday.

The play homes are built by the men and women of the mission, and as executive director Blake Barrow said, "If we can imagine it, we can build it."

Barrow said the mission is accepting orders now.

"You can order exactly what you want and we will have it built by Christmas. Wait a couple of weeks and you may miss the boat," he said.

Barrow said the project is part of the process of helping the homeless.

"We hire only homeless people and all of the homeless people have made these houses," he said.

In helping the homeless get back on track, customers get a great product in return.

The homes have Styrofoam-insulated roofs and can even be equipped with electricity. Barrow said some models include three-bedrooms, a bath, dog houses and storage sheds.

Barrow said to think of it as a gift that keeps on giving: Children are happy and it helps a worthy cause.

"They were all homeless when they were hired, but now they have made enough money where they have their own cars they are buying or renting apartments - they have their feet back on the ground. They have been reunited with their families; they support their children; they are productive tax-paying citizens," Barrow said.

To find out more about the playhouses or to place an order, please call the El Paso Rescue Mission at 532-2575.

The homes range from $600 to $1,400.