Baltimore Ravens Partner with HUD
to Benefit Public Housing Youth

The Baltimore Field Office of HUD and the Baltimore Ravens have formed a great partnership to help young people who live in public housing in the State of Maryland. Youngsters who live in public housing receive benefits from the union that include: Player involvement, mentoring, role modeling and encouraging educational excellence are the foundation of the program.

Youth from public housing are treated to pre-season activities including trips to the Ravens Training Camp at Western Maryland College in Westminster, Maryland. While there, Ravens players talk with kids about the need to do well in school, about values such as perseverance, respect for others and diversity. These young people also attend pre-season games and are treated to special tours of Ravens facilities from PSI Net Stadium to the Ravens' Owings Mills Training facility.

This year, fifty youngsters from Annapolis Public Housing, and their chaperones attended a scrimmage and training exercise at the Ravens Training Camp in Westminster. After the workout, the kids had an opportunity to speak with Ravens players, get autographs, listen to a motivational talk from ravens players and take home some Ravens paraphernalia including play books, schedules and player cards.
Seventy-five youngsters from Annapolis Public Housing also attended the Ravens pre-season game with the Jets. In addition, twenty-five kids also attended from Project SETAAC (Self-Esteem through Academics, Art & Culture,) housed at Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church. These youngsters were from Baltimore City Public Housing complexes.

HUD staff coordinate the effort and work closely with the Ravens to assure that public housing kids continue to enjoy attention that could inspire and motivate their young minds. For more information, contact J.C. Shay (James.C.Shay@hud.gov), Operations Specialist.

Content Archived: February 15, 2011