Orioles' Wives Help Give Baltimore Family A New Home
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It's moving day for an East Baltimore family whose new home was built thanks in part to some Orioles' wives.
Andrea Fujii explains how women helping women made it possible.
It may be a gloomy day outside Tuesday, but inside it's all smiles and dancing as a woman and her son toured their new Habitat for Humanity home.
"I like it and I just want to be in our own house," said 9-year-old Jayden Jordan.
And after eight months of hard work, they have the keys.
Construction on the East Baltimore home began in May, complete with help from the Orioles' wives, including manager Buck Showalter's wife.
"Home life is such an important structure to have, and the fact that you can be a part of that and help somebody else have a wonderful home," said Angela Showalter.
This home is part of the organization's "Women Build" project.
"The women build houses. Seventy-five percent of the labor is built by women; 100 percent of the funds are raised by women," said Madeline Manlove, Habitat for Humanity.
Homeowner Sequoia Gaylord contributed 250 hours of sweat equity.
"I can pinpoint things, walls I've knocked down and work I've done in the backyard," Gaylord said.
And there is a mortgage. The family will pay one-third of their monthly income at zero percent interest.
The family's move from a rough neighborhood means peace of mind.
"I can at least feel more confident with my son being outside and playing and I guess better school systems," Gaylord said.
And a room Jordan doesn't ever have to share.
"Because it's mine," he said. "I own it."
Habitat for Humanity has built 35 homes for Baltimore and Anne Arundel County families so far this year.
The Women Build project is planning to build another home next year and are looking for a family to fill it. For more information, click here.
