Martindale-Brightwood Named Lift Indy Neighborhood

Martindale-Brightwood has been named as the second neighborhood to benefit from the Lift Indy program this year.

The community investment program provides $3.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said this year’s focus is on having the most impact during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These funds will go towards a variety of resources aimed at keeping residents in the homes they own and in the communities that they love,” Hogsett said.

Democratic City-County Councilor Zach Adamson said this investment will help his district, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

“Researchers at IUPUI SAVI have estimated that the 46218 zip code, including the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood is more heavily impacted than any across Indianapolis,” Adamson said.

According to the date from SAVI, the neighborhood had higher rates of unemployment and more calls to 211 for help during the pandemic.

Over the next three years, funds will aid housing improvement, career coaching and asset building programs.

Amina Pierson Executive Director Martindale-Brightwood Community Development Corporation said the organization will partner with the city on a home improvement program.

“We look forward to helping the residents to bring their homes up to date and to make it a safer place to live,” Pierson said.

The Near North corridor is also part of this year’s Lift Indy program. This is the first year the city has had more than one neighborhood participating.