Transforming Trenton, NJ’s Blighted Neighborhoods
Providing Truly Affordable Low-Income Housing & A Mindset of Community-Building © 1972
Martin House & BCHT, Inc. — Short History • Vision • Mission
Better Community Housing of Trenton (BCHT), Inc. was established in 1972 by Father Brian McCormick and a group of action-oriented people in the Wilbur section of Trenton — supported by the Diocese of Trenton, local Catholic parishes, and committed individuals. BCHT was part of the Martin House family of programs and was designed to provide home ownership for the poorest of the poor – those below the 50% median income definition of “poverty." With Fr. Brian's retirement and the closing of Martin House in 2012, BCHT became a separate entity, with Fr. Brian as a volunteer advisor.
Our non-profit organization continues Martin House’s affordable housing work, with 168 homes completed to date, either rehabbed or new construction. Currently active, BCHT’s Tyrell Avenue Housing Redevelopment Project is working to bring 5 new, affordable homes to a blighted block. Stable housing brings stability to all aspects of life. It gives families the time to concentrate on jobs, education, and family values.
Our Vision + Mission is to establish inner city neighborhoods in Trenton, NJ that are safe, clean, and stable — where people can afford to live, residents feel empowered to work together to bring about change in their community, and families can raise their children with values, goals, and dignity.
Rehabbed Homes:
Grant Avenue
Rehabbed Homes:
Martin House (1989): A Walk through Wilbur Documentary
In 1989, philanthropic actor Martin Sheen took to the streets of blighted Trenton neighborhood, Wilbur, alongside Martin House/BCHT’s ‘Father Brian’ to gain first-hand insight into the community’s deterioration and much needed housing redevelopment assistance. On this walk, Sheen discovered just how important the Martin House’s mission was, and still is today.
Watch this Martin House documentary, narrated by Sheen, to discover how greatly Martin House’s support programs positively impacted the local community’s housing, spirit, and overall wellness, as it continues to do today.
Source: Sheen, M., & McCormick, B. (1992). Trenton, N.J: Martin House Community for Justice Foundation.
How We Combat Trenton’s Impoverished Neighborhood Blight
BCHT transforms blighted neighborhoods by addressing:
The deteriorating state of local residential infrastructure/buildings’ physical structures
Trenton’s most dilapidated neighborhoods’ low-income residents’ mindset of poverty
We know that poverty will always exist, but we can make a difference today by:
Building new + rehabbed affordable housing for very low-income people most in need in struggling areas of Trenton
Providing our Homeownership Program to qualifying locals, which includes FREE Home Maintenance trainings that teach new homeowners best practices for property upkeep, as well as FREE Financial Literacy courses
Media Source:
Distribution Rights:
Permissions granted by Mr. Sheen, 12/2022
Homeowner Testimonials
Check out our latest project capturing heart-felt testimonials from current homeowners, former homeowners (sold) and family members that inherited a BCH house.
Sharon English - Sharon, a Trenton homeowner, shares her long-term connection with the community. Sharon always had a connection with Better Community Housing with her early memories of her dad's role in BCHT camps. Sharon joined the homeownership program to ensure stable housing for her kids. Her testimony of being a homeowner is important to Better Community Housing.
Jane Gordon - Jane Gordon, a foster and adoptive mother, shares her experience with the Better Community Housing program. and qualified for an affordable home, choosing a significantly rundown house to renovate. She gained hands-on experience through Sweat Equity, including carpentry and electrical work. Better Community Housing program was pivotal, providing stability and encouraging community involvement. She remains a grateful and active volunteer, reflecting the program's lasting positive impact on her life.
Jesse Pegler - Jesse Pegler discussed his long-term involvement with the Martin House and its various programs like summer camp and after-school activities. The Better Community Housing program helped Jesse’s family transition from renting to homeownership, providing them with stability. Jesse was inspired by the program’s focus on teaching practical skills, which influenced his career in the construction field.