Edna Martin Christian Center breaks ground on new affordable housing in Martindale-Brightwood

Images and renderings of four single-family affordable homes in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. The development of these homes is part of the community’s certified Quality of Life Plan focused on housing stability and revitalization. (Photos provided/Edna Martin Christian Center)

The Edna Martin Christian Center and its community development subsidiary, Edna Martin Community-Based Development Organization (CBDO), broke ground Wednesday on a new affordable single-family home at 3135 Ralston Avenue in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.

The project is part of the community’s City Certified Martindale-Brightwood Quality of Life Plan, which emphasizes housing stability, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term growth for residents.

“This investment is about more than houses,” said Immanuel Ivey, Executive Director of Edna Martin CBDO LLC. “It’s about building stability, opportunity, and a stronger future for Martindale-Brightwood families.”

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Barato Britt, President & CEO of Edna Martin Christian Center, said the groundbreaking represents a larger vision for the neighborhood’s future. “This is not just a single home; it is a cornerstone of transformation,” Britt said. “We are reimagining what Martindale-Brightwood can become: a community where families thrive, opportunity is within reach, and progress is visible and lasting. “The home on Ralston Avenue will add to a growing list of affordable housing options created under the initiative. The first fully renovated home at 3015 Adams Street is currently under contract and preparing to close, while a second property at 2919 N. Drexel Avenue is in the final stages of renovation.

Community members, partners, and supporters attended the groundbreaking, celebrating what leaders say is another step toward ensuring families have access to high-quality, affordable housing close to schools, jobs, and resources.

“Neighborhoods thrive when families have the security of safe and affordable homes,” Ivey said. “This work honors the history of Martindale-Brightwood while ensuring a future filled with opportunity.”

The Edna Martin Christian Center and its CBDO plan to continue building and renovating homes in the neighborhood in the months ahead, strengthening the local housing inventory and advancing the community’s vision for revitalization.

Contact Edna Martin, CBDO, at (317) 617-3776 if you want more information.