Former NBA star Devean George knows what it's like to grow up in a deprived community. That's why the ex-pro athlete is giving back to his North Minneapolis neighborhood, by building an affordable housing complex for residents.

The former L.A. Laker and Augsburg College standout, along with his childhood friend and architect Jamil Ford, have constructed a complex in the heart of a hood riddled with crime, violence and a lack of resources. The two hope the unit sparks positive change in their neighborhood.

"Housing, I believe, is the foundation to doing whatever you want to do," George said in an interview. "If you don't have stable housing, you're not worried about education, you're not worried about eating healthy, you're not worried about anything else."

People in the area have to travel miles to a grocery store. George's complex includes one.