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Built By Ravens: Team Helps Construct 18 New Homes In East Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Several Ravens players were out using hammers and drills Tuesday. They were helping to build some homes in a neighborhood not far from where they play.

Ron Matz has more on the team's hopes of building a better Baltimore.

James Ihedigbo is usually drilling opponents, but he came to Ward Street to join his Ravens teammates in the construction of new homes for Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.

"What better way to impact your community than actually being hands-on and getting your hands dirty so to speak. I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it," said James Ihedigbo, Ravens safety.

And the project is good news for the neighborhood, where one in eight homes is abandoned or in need of significant repair.

"We're putting in 18 new homes. It's going to revitalize the neighborhood. We have a great partner in Paul's Place down the street," said Mike Posko, CEO of Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity.

In East Baltimore, "there are many vacant properties and once we put a homeowner in it, it changes the neighborhood," Posko said. "We build affordable housing. We don't give away the house. Homeowners actually have to qualify. They have to have a means to pay a mortgage."

The 18 homes are going up in the shadows of M&T Bank Stadium.

"It's an awesome day. We're right down the street from M&T Bank Stadium. To be able to be a part of this where you're changing the community, and I definitely want to be hands-on in that process," Ihedigbo said.

They broke ground for this project back in June. These homes should be ready by February or March.

"We have the opportunity to give back to our community. You're actually building a house that someone will be living in. You help out, and we're all excited about that," said Torrey Smith, Ravens wide receiver.

Ravens fullback Vonta Leach and quarterback Tyrod Taylor were also part of the construction team. Three of the 18 homes on Ward Street are being funded by the Ravens All Community Team Foundation.

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