In the News: What's happening at PCH
& with affordable housing
New Report: Developing Effective Fourth Round Municipal Housing Plans for 2025-2035
Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) and the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ (the Network)
December 4, 2024 - Today, Fair Share Housing Center (FSHC) and the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ (the Network) are co-publishing a new report to help local officials, planners, developers, advocates, and residents understand and participate in New Jersey’s affordable housing development process. This publication updates and expands on the 2015 report published by HCDNNJ following the NJ Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel IV decision, which reinvigorated enforcement of the Mount Laurel Doctrine. READ MORE
Princeton Community Housing Gets Outstanding Community Award
Princeton Patch | Sarah Salvadore
Princeton, NJ - November 1, 2024 – Princeton Community Housing was recently awarded the Outstanding Project Award from the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey.
They received the award in the Healthy Homes and Communities category for the construction of the Jim and Fannie Floyd House at Princeton Community Village, completed in 2023.
The award seeks to recognize member organizations that are increasing the supply of homes that residents can afford and are effectively addressing widespread issues that impact the health of neighborhoods and residents.
Princeton Community Housing Gets Outstanding Project Award
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - November 6, 2024 - On Tuesday, October 29, at the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (HCDNNJ) 2024 Annual Community Development Conference and Membership Meeting, Princeton Community Housing was awarded the organization’s Outstanding Project Award in the Healthy Homes and Communities category for the construction of the Jim and Fannie Floyd House at Princeton Community Village, completed in 2023. READ MORE
Pictured (left to right) are Sharon K. Barker, HCDNNJ Vice President & COO; Edward Truscelli, PCH Executive Director; Staci Berger, HCDNNJ President & CEO; Valerie Haynes, Past President and Trustee, PCH; and Kate Bech, PCH Director of Mission Advancement.
Sharing Gratitude to All Who Contributed to Success of PCH’s Recent Fundraising Event
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - October 9, 2024 – On behalf of the boards of trustees, staff, and residents of Princeton Community Housing (PCH), we wish to express our gratitude to those who helped to make our September 27 fundraising event, “Community Roots, Opportunity Blossoms,” at Morven Museum & Garden a wonderful success. We had a grand time, thanks to the efforts of our volunteers and staff, and our generous donors throughout the community. Together, we raised more than $119,000 to support PCH’s mission and what we call the “PCH Difference,” our commitment to providing not only homes but supportive services that result in stronger, healthier outcomes for our residents and communities.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING TO HOST BENEFIT EVENT AS MILESTONE YEAR APPROACHES
Town Topics | Donald Gilpin
Princeton, NJ - August 28, 2024 - Inviting supporters to “sow the seeds of success,” Princeton Community Housing (PCH) will host “Community Roots, Opportunity Blossoms” on Friday, September 27 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at Morven Museum & Garden. The evening will feature a cocktail reception, a silent auction, and a seated dinner under the tent catered by Occasions by Citron. Presented by Penn Medicine Princeton Health, the fundraising celebration will benefit the work and mission of PCH, with this year’s them highlighting the importance of having a home - whether a house or a community - to grow and thrive,” according to Event Committee Chair and PCH Trustee Caroline Travers.
Committee members for Princeton Community Housing’s upcoming “Community Roots, Opportunity Blossoms” event are digging into the good work of ensuring affordable homes in town by planning for another successful benefit on Friday, September 27 at Morven Museum & Garden. Proceeds will support the PCH Difference ™, PCH’s supportive services and projects for its 1,100+ residents.
Pictured left to right are Georgette Sturam, Ashley Lyu, Caroline Travers (Chair of the Event Committee), Abreah Hill, Ed Truscelli (PCH Executive Director), Sara Just, Karen Jezierny, (Chair, PCH Community Board), Sonia Chadha, and Liz Hock. Additional committee members not pictured are Holly Bauer, Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra, Karen Delk, Margaret Griffin, and Alice Small.
8 STUDENTS FROM PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING WIN $44K IN SCHOLARSHIPS
Princeton Patch | Sarah Salvadore
Princeton, NJ - August 9, 2024 – Eight students who live in Princeton Community Housing were awarded scholarships totaling $44,000 on Wednesday evening.
The scholarships were given by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) and the New Jersey Affordable Housing Management Association (JAHMA) Foundations, hosted at the Center for Modern Aging’s Nancy S. Klath Center for Lifelong Learning.
Pictured (left to right) are Dr. Bruce Johnson, Administrator, Affordable Housing Management Association Scholarship Program; Edward Truscelli, PCH Executive Director; Naomi Bazar (Mercer County Community College); Enmanuel Guzman Zambrano (Rider University); Bianca Orostizaga (University of Hartford); Isaiah Nazario (College of New Jersey); Oliver Malkowski (College of New Jersey); Monique Jones, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart; Maiyin Hobgood (Rider University); and Sara Just, PCH Trustee and Chair of the Princeton Community Village Management Committee. Other resident student recipients not pictured are: Kelly Kapatsoulia (Kean University); and Htway Min (Drew University). Collectively, eight students received $44,000 in scholarship funding.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING BOARD LEADERS SUPPORT GOAL OF MASTER PLAN
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - July 24, 2024 – As leaders of Princeton Community Housing (PCH), a nonprofit organization developing and managing welcoming affordable rental homes in Princeton since 1967, we recognize that advocacy is an important part of our mission. We have a housing crisis in this country. New Jersey alone needs 214,000 more affordable homes for extremely low-income households, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. There is also a dire need for more affordable homes in Princeton, as evidenced in part by the over 1,000 households on PCH’s combined waiting lists. Many of these households are young families starting out, people already working in town and longtime residents who want to remain in their community. For these reasons, we support the goal of Princeton’s Master Plan to ensure that “Princeton will be a vibrant, growing and welcoming community with a diverse mix of land uses that accommodate a broad variety of needs, housing ample and diverse enough to accommodate all who want to live here….”
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
Planet Princeton | Krystal Knapp
Princeton, NJ - July 24, 2024 – Alicia Defreitas has joined Princeton Community Housing as the new director of finance and administration. She succeeds Janet McClafferty, who served in the role for nine years.
Defreitas, a resident of Delran, previously served as a finance director at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing military medicine. She worked with the Catholic Medical Missions Board, an international nonprofit organization that provides global health services to the world’s poor. She has also served as the controller for Orbis International, a global humanitarian organization dedicated to blindness prevention.
A former member of the Army National Guard for six years, Defreitas earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hunter College in New York City.
“We feel very fortunate to have Alicia on board,” Princeton Community Housing Executive Director Ed Truscelli said. “She brings a wealth of experience and a wide range of skills to us, including strategic financial planning as well as operations, with a focus on collaboration and team building.” READ MORE
NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR AT COMMUNITY HOUSING
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - July 31, 2024 - Alicia M. Defreitas, a professional administrator who has worked in the nonprofit humanitarian sector her entire career, has joined Princeton Community Housing’s (PCH) senior leadership as its director of finance and administration. READ MORE
Alicia Defreitas, Princeton Community Housing’s new Director of Finance and Administration, and Ed Truscelli, the organization’s Executive Director.
5 PRINCETON NONPROFITS GET GRANTS FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS
Princeton Patch | Sarah Salvadore
Princeton, NJ - July 3, 2024 – Five Princeton nonprofits received grants from the Princeton Area Community Foundation for summer programs that engage local young people, especially tweens and teens living in underserved communities.
The goals of the grants are to help bridge access to summer programming and increase the participation of youth and support families who may not otherwise have options available.
The grant winning organizations are:
Arts Council of Princeton, Princeton: $9,500 for the Summer Arts for Unaccompanied Teens, which offers 10-weeks of free, bilingual summer arts programming and meals to unaccompanied youth who are enrolled at Princeton High School. The program teaches printmaking, digital arts, ceramics and illustration.
Princeton Community Housing, Princeton: $13,500 for its Youth Summer Enrichment Program, which will provide grants for 46 children to attend nonprofit and municipal summer camps. PCH’s social services coordinator, a licensed social worker, will promote the program and help families with registrations. READ MORE
INSIDE THE NEW “FLOYD HOUSE” AT PRINCETON COMMUNITY VILLAGE
Walkable Princeton | Staff
Princeton, NJ - May 30, 2024 - The last few years have seen several new apartment buildings rising in Princeton, but one that a lot of people may not have noticed is the new ‘Floyd House’ at Princeton Community Village. Located in the existing Sassafras Row neighborhood (map), the new building opened in September 2023, and offers 25 apartments, a mixture of 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units. It is named for Jim and Fannie Floyd, two renowned community leaders. Jim Floyd, the first Black mayor of Princeton Township, was a founder of Princeton Community Housing. Trustees at Princeton Community Housing worked for over 6 years using contributions from local people and the town to complete the project, which includes a comprehensive set of neighborhood enhancements, including a new pavilion, and improvements to the community clubhouse. READ MORE
WILD EDIBLES EXPERT LEADS FORAGING TOUR
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - May 29, 2024 - The public is invited to join the Wild Edibles Lady, also know as foraging expert Debbie Naha-Koretsky, for “Foraging for Affordable Housing",” centered around a plant identification tour (Saturday, June 23, 1 -3 pm). This special guided event welcomes new supporters to the cause of housing justice and will benefit the work and mission of Princeton Community Housing (PCH).
READ MORE
NEW LEADERSHIP ELECTED AT PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING
Town Topics | Staff
Princeton, NJ - May 22, 2024 - At Princeton Community Housing’s (PCH) 56th annual meeting, PCH trustees elected several new board members, and the gavel was passed to town board presidents. READ MORE
JAMES DEMTRIADES, KAREN JEZIERNY ELECTED AS NEW BOARD CHAIRS AT PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING
Tap into Princeton | TIP Staff
Princeton, NJ – May 19, 2024 - For all the talk about growth in Princeton, and all the imagined consequences of that growth, Princeton actually has grown very little in the past 50 years – from about 25,000 to 30,000, as TAPinto Princeton pointed out in a recent article.
As slow as that growth has been, it might have been even slower but for the efforts of Princeton Community Housing, founded in 1967. Since then PCH has provided and now manages affordable housing that serves more than 1,100 residents, or 3.5 percent of the Princeton population in 491 affordable rental homes for individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities, with very low, low, and moderate-incomes.
The nonprofit organization recently held its 56th annual meeting, and unanimously elected two new board presidents: James Demetriades, CEO of Penn Medicine Princeton, as president of the PCH Development Corporation for a two-year term, and Karen Jezierny, a community volunteer and retired public affairs director at Princeton University, as president of the Community Board for a two-year term.
Hosted at the Institute for Advanced Study, one of PCH’s founding sponsoring organizations, board members also voted unanimously to elect Kathleen “Kate” Farewell for another two-year term as vice president of the PCH Development Corporation, and Karen Delk to serve as vice president of the Community Board.
New trustees elected to the PCH Development Corporation Board include Christopher Costa of Lawrence Township, a real estate and land use attorney with Stevens & Lee; Jonah Lansky of Princeton, co-founder and deputy chief investment officer for Varadero Capital; Ashley Lyu of Princeton, community volunteer and attorney; and Merilyn Rovira of Princeton, an executive leader in the affordable housing and community development sectors. Jeff Hoisington of Skillman, a retired educator and longtime PCH committee volunteer, and Gene Rosenblum of Princeton, an attorney with the NJ Department of Health and PCH committee member, were elected to the PCH Community Board. READ MORE
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING NAMES NEW TRUSTEES, BOARD MEMBERS, AND BOARD PRESIDENTS
Planet Princeton | Krystal Knapp
Princeton, NJ - May 16, 2024 - At the recent annual meeting of the non-profit Princeton Community Housing, four new trustees were appointed to serve on the board of the PCH Development Corporation. Two people were selected to serve on the organization’s community board, and two new presidents also were chosen. READ MORE.
New PCH trustees and board presidents include (l. to r.) Jonah Lansky, James Demetriades, Merilyn Rovira, Ashley Lyu, Jeff Hoisington, Gene Rosenblum, Chris Costa, and Karen Jezierny.
PANELISTS TO EXPLORE PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Town Topics | Anne Levin
Princeton, NJ - February 21, 2024 - Friday, February 23 is the last day to view the exhibit devoted to the Princeton Affordable Housing Map at the Bernstein Gallery in Robertson Hall of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The show is being unofficially ushered out with a special panel discussion being held in the building the evening before.
The past, present, and future of affordable housing in Princeton is the topic of the event featuring Fern Spruill, chair of the former Princeton Civil Rights Commission (CRC); Edward Truscelli, executive director of Princeton Community Housing; and Matt Mleczko, a Ph.D. candidate at the University, in a conversation moderated by Anastasia R. Mann, lecturer and founding director of SPIA. Admission is free and open to all. It begins with a reception from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by the panel from 5 to 6:30 p.m. READ MORE.
‘A LEGACY OF LOVE, UNITY AND CHANGE’
Princeton Packet | Andrew Harrison
Princeton, NJ - November 9, 2023 - The impact of Jim and Fannie Floyd is still being felt in Princeton today.
The Princeton Community Housing (PCH), which was founded in 1967 and provides affordable housing for the community, named their new apartment building the “Jim and Fannie Floyd House.” PCH’s new apartment building has 25 affordable apartments.
On a warm sunny day Oct. 28, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the Jim and Fannie Floyd House was held as members of the Floyd family, PCH, civic leaders, local and federally elected officials gathered together to celebrate the apartment building located off of Bunn Drive at Princeton Community Village’s Sassafras Row. READ MORE.
MAZEL TOV!
From Good News of the Week | The Jewish Center of Princeton, November 6, 2023 edition
TJC on its steadfast support of Princeton Community Housing, who recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting for 25 new affordable apartments at Princeton Community Village. The new building, The Jim and Fannie Floyd House, is named in memory of long-time Princeton residents and social activists, Jim and Fannie Floyd. As one of the founding members of this organization in 1967, TJC continues to work on building, maintaining and advocating for affordable housing in the Princeton Community. Over 500 homes have been built in the last 55+ years and we are home to over 1,000 residents.
TO ED TRUSCELLI, PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING’S MISSION GOES BEYOND SHELTER
TAPintoPrinceton | Loose Ends by Pam Hersh
Princeton, NJ -- November 3, 2023 - As most kids learn early in life, a parent accosting you with your first and middle names is a sign of trouble. For Ed Truscelli, using a middle name is a source of pride, not anxiety, even though his bio lists no middle name, not even a middle initial. He is dedicated to the middle name of his employer: Princeton Community Housing, whose motto is: “Community is our middle name.”
Since 2012 Ed has served as the executive director of Princeton Community Housing (PCH), a private non-profit organization founded in 1967 to develop, manage, and advocate for affordable homes. It now provides nearly 500 affordable rental homes in Princeton.
I became intrigued with PCH’s executive director and his dedication to the middle name after I attended the recent PCH fundraiser on the grounds of Morven. In his speeches, conversations, and in the event’s programming, “community” was no overlooked middle child. It was the star of the evening. READ MORE
LOCAL LEADERS JOIN RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION HOSTED ON OCTOBER 28 TO NAME JIM AND FANNIE FLOYD HOUSE
Princeton, NJ - October 28, 2023 - Princeton Councilmembers Leighton Newlin, Michelle Pirone Lambros and Eve Niedergang, along with US Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, joined Princeton Community Housing for the Jim and Fannie Floyd House Ribbon Cutting & Building Naming celebration. This event was not only a celebration of the 25 new affordable apartments in the Princeton Community Village neighborhood, but also a tribute to the remarkable lives and enduring legacy of Jim and Fannie Floyd. READ MORE
NEW APARTMENT BUILDING AT PRINCETON COMMUNITY VILLAGE NAMED FOR FORMER MAYOR JIM FLOYD AND HIS WIFE FANNIE
Town Topics | Anne Levin
Princeton, NJ - October 25, 2023 - When Princeton Community Housing (PCH) was created in 1967 to help provide safe, affordable housing in Princeton, Jim Floyd was among its founders. In recognition of the work the late Floyd and his wife, Fannie, devoted to the nonprofit and the wider community, PCH has named its new 25-unit complex for very low-, low-, and moderate-income apartments in their honor.
The Jim and Fannie Floyd House at Princeton Community Village’s Sassafras Row, off of Bunn Drive, is now open, and its residents have either moved in or are about to do so. A naming and ribbon-cutting this Saturday, October 28 marks the occasion.
“We couldn’t be more proud,” said Kate Bech, PCH’s director of mission advancement. “The building is something to behold. PCH was founded by some pretty visionary people who were committed to the idea of diversity in the community. The trustees today continue to see the importance of that mission, and carry it forward. It is all the more appropriate that the new building is named in honor of two people who worked so hard in this community to advance the work not only of PCH, but of many organizations.” READ MORE.
THE MUNICIPALITY OF PRINCETON AND PCH RECEIVE HONOR FOR ‘OUTSTANDING MUNICIPAL PARTNER - NEW DEVELOPMENT’ AT 2023 HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK OF NJ’S ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
New Brunswick, NJ - October 20, 2023 - Princeton Councilmembers Leighton Newlin, Michelle Pirone Lambros and David Cohen and Affordable Housing Manager Lewis Hurd were recognized at the 2023 “Under One Roof” Annual Community Development Conference & Membership meeting hosted by the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey. The municipality received the “Outstanding Municipal Partner - New Development” award for their partnership in developing the Floyd House at Princeton Community Village. Representing PCH were Trustees Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra and Valerie Haynes and staff members Edward Truscelli and Kate Bech, at a luncheon on Friday, October 20 at the Hyatt in New Brunswick.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING HOSTS ‘BIRDS OF ALL FEATHERS’ EVENT TO SUPPORT ‘THE PCH DIFFERENCE’
Princeton, NJ – October 2, 2023 - Final preparations are underway for “Birds of All Feathers,” a gathering to benefit the work and mission of Princeton Community Housing.
Everyone is invited to share in a lively conclave (Cardinals), a little mischief (Crossbills) and the pandemonium (Parrots) as part of this happy cotillion (Terns). Presented by Penn Medicine Princeton Health, the party will feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, and a seated dinner under the tent at Morven Museum & Garden, catered by Emily’s Café of Pennington on Friday, October 6, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
PCH Trustee and honorary chairman James Demetriades, CEO of Penn Medicine, said “Penn Medicine Princeton Health is proud to support Princeton Community Housing in its very important mission to provide safe, well-maintained, affordable homes and social service supports to more than 1,100 area residents. We know that both are key factors among social determinants of health. We encourage others to join us in supporting the Birds of a Feather event, which promises to be a very enjoyable evening.” READ MORE.
PCH’s “Birds of All Feathers” Planning Committee: Daniela Bonafede-Chhabra, left, Liz Hock, Sara Just, Edward Truscelli, Lesley Wishnick, Vicky Corrodi, Margaret Griffin, Maureen Quap, Sonia Chadha. Not pictured: Alice Small and Caroline Travers.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING CELEBRATES NINE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Princeton, NJ – August 11, 2023 - Nine students residing at Princeton Community Village (PCV) and Griggs Farm have been named winners of this year’s state and national affordable housing association scholarships. Princeton Community Housing’s Princeton Community Village and the Griggs Farm units are members of JAHMA, the New Jersey Affordable Housing Management Association, and NAHMA, the National Affordable Housing Management Association, thus their student residents can apply for college scholarships through the JAHMA and NAHMA foundations. Collectively, the nine students received $45,000 in scholarship funding. READ MORE.
Pictured are (left to right) Michelle Tuck-Ponder, Princeton Board of Education; Ed Truscelli, PCH; students Isaiah Nazario and Htway Min; Sara Just, PCH Trustee; and Bruce Johnson of JAHMA and NAHMA.
AFTER 15 YEARS AS YMCA CEO, KATE BECH TAKES NEW ROLE AT PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING
Princeton, NJ -- May 9, 2023 - Kate Bech, who served as the Princeton Family YMCA’s CEO for 15 years, has joined the executive staff at Princeton Community Housing (PCH), building on a career of achievements focused on strengthening community.
Since starting her new role earlier this spring as PCH’s director of mission advancement, Bech says she is energized by the many milestones already accomplished by the organization’s board members and staff. “PCH is one of this town’s best assets, in my opinion,” Bech said. “For more than 55 years, this organization has transformed people’s lives, profoundly and deeply, by helping them access a quality, affordable home in this wonderful community. Every day, I discover something new about PCH – and it knocks me over.” READ MORE.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING NEARS COMPLETION OF 25 NEW AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS
Applications are due by April 14 -- lottery to determine who gets to rent units.
Princeton, NJ – March 6, 2023 - Time flies when you’re having fun, or perhaps when you’re building affordable housing. Back in October, 2021, Princeton Community Housing (PCH) held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the upcoming construction of 25 new affordable homes along with some neighborhood enhancements at Princeton Community Village (PCV), an existing PCH community with 235 units on Bunn Drive, north of the Princeton Shopping Center. READ MORE.
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERLAY ZONE ESTABLISHED IN PRINCETON
Princeton, NJ - January 25, 2023 - Council on Monday passed an ordinance establishing a new Affordable Housing Overlay Zone (AHO-7) along portions of Witherspoon Street. The ordinance creates a new affordable housing overlay zoning district along portions of Witherspoon Street lying between Green Street to the north of Henry Avenue. A housing overlay zone is basically added layers on top of the existing zoning ordinance that provides incentives to developers to build within a specific district, affordable housing included. READ MORE.
PRINCETON’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS SUBJECT OF PUBLIC FORUM AT LIBRARY
'Missing middle' housing is important, but it's not close to affordable for many people.
Princeton, NJ – December 8, 2022 - Just last week the Princeton Planning Board held a concept review – a discussion rather than a formal hearing – to learn more about a proposal for “a cottage court” at 469 Ewing Street. The applicants hope to take their oversized lot on Ewing, divide it into two lots, and then construct a single family house on each lot along with a smaller auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) associated with each main house. Four dwelling units in total. It’s described as a “cottage court” because all the houses are served by a single driveway and a common courtyard – it’s a descriptive term, not a legal entity.
READ MORE
ANNUAL PCH GALA CELEBRATES NEW AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS AND PROJECT MILESTONE
Community Supporters Honored for Helping Princeton Residents
Princeton, NJ - October 9, 2022 - Princeton Community Housing (PCH), which has been at the forefront of serving the community’s affordable housing needs for 55 years, last night announced a milestone achievement for those it serves, raising over $2 million in private support for the construction of 25 new affordable rental homes in Princeton. READ MORE and SEE EVENT PHOTOS.
PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOUSING HONORS THE LIFE OF REVEREND DAVID MCALPIN
Princeton Community Housing honors the life of Reverend David McAlpin, community leader, and housing and social justice advocate, who passed away on August 5, 2022.
Like so many of our neighbors, we are grateful for Rev. McAlpin’s leadership, passion, generosity, and advocacy. He will continue to inspire us to work for an inclusive community that is accessible to all.
PCH HOSTS “A Place to Call Home”, AN INFORMATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL DISCUSSION
On July 21, 2022, Princeton Community Housing was honored to host an informational and educational discussion on affordable housing. Our panel of affordable housing experts spoke about the national and local landscape of affordable housing and how we can make progress in providing affordable, safe, and well-maintained homes. The panelists also discussed the impact that additional social services can have on residents and NJ's Fair Chance at Housing Act.
Thank you to our three panelists: Diane Yentel - President & CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, James Williams - Director of Racial Justice Policy at Fair Share Housing Center, and Jordan Goodwin - Social Service Coordinator at Princeton Community Housing.
In addition, thank you to the National Low Income Housing Coalition and Fair Share Housing Center for all you have done to support equal housing opportunities and residents of affordable housing, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
PCH THANKS CBIZ BORDEN PERLMAN FOR SUPPORT OF 25 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES IN PRINCETON
Princeton, NJ - July 22, 2022 - "We are honored that CBIZ Borden Perlman, a local, well-established business in the community has taken a leading role in building new affordable homes in Princeton," stated Edward Truscelli, Executive Director of PCH. "This is a prime example of the phrase ‘it takes a village.’ When residents, community organizations, and local businesses come together to support a common goal, real change can occur. We are grateful that CBIZ Borden Perlman has and continues to help advance our vision for Princeton.”
ED TRUSCELLI, PCH’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INTERVIEWED ON EPISODE 18 OF THE PRINCETON PODCAST
In Episode 18 of the Princeton Podcast, Mayor Mark Freda caught up with Ed Truscelli, the Executive Director of Princeton Community Housing.
Mark and Ed discussed Princeton’s affordable housing challenge and how the town is working to meet its obligations, including several currently planned developments that will include affordable housing.
Ed also described how Princeton Community Housing develops, manages and advocates for affordable, welcoming, and well-maintained homes, offering all people the opportunity to build more productive and fulfilling lives here in Princeton. This includes PCH’s “Home Means Hope” capital campaign to build 25 new affordable homes and neighborhood enhancements at Princeton Community Village. LISTEN HERE.
PCH KICKS OF PUBLIC PHASE OF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN TO BUILD 25 NEW AFFORDABLE HOMES
Princeton, NJ - May 16, 2022 - PCH Trustees, supporters, and members of the community gathered at Mountain Lakes House to kick off the public phase of the Home Means Hope Campaign, to raise a total of $2 million to build 25 new affordable homes in Princeton.
When completed, the new three-story building at Princeton Community Village (PCV) – an existing PCH community – will have a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. It will include a large covered porch and a new neighborhood pavilion for socializing, and new walkways to provide easy access to the existing Ted Vial Clubhouse. READ MORE.
MEET SARA JUST, LONG TIME AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCATE
'Affordable units benefit everyone, not just those living in the apartments.'
By Pam Hersh - April 22, 2022 - Princetonian Sara Just and I have crossed paths several times in our lives but never met one another. We have lived in Princeton for the same number of years – more than four decades. Our kids went to the same Princeton schools at about the same time (Riverside Elementary, John Witherspoon Middle School, Princeton High School). We have our undergraduate (BA) and graduate school (MLS) degrees from the same schools (Douglass College and Rutgers University respectively), and earned these degrees about 50 years ago. And we both have been outspoken about the crucial importance of having affordable housing -- actually affordable “homes,” notes Sara -- in our community. READ MORE.
PCH ANNOUNCES NEW TRUSTEES, AFFIRMING LINK BETWEEN HOUSING AND HEALTHCARE
Princeton, NJ - April 22, 2022 - Princeton Community Housing (PCH) is pleased to introduce two new trustees, both healthcare executives with Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Jacqueline Kavouras is a registered nurse and currently serves as Vice President of Population Health Management, and James Demetriades is the CEO. READ MORE.
NEW CERTIFIED, FREE PRESCHOOL OPENS AT PCV’S CRIMMINS LEARNING CENTER
A Collaboration among Princeton Public Schools, PCH, and the Princeton Family YMCA
Princeton, NJ - November 24, 2021 - Fifteen children, ages 3 and 4, are attending a new free preschool classroom this fall at Princeton Community Village.
Princeton Family YMCA CEO Kate Bech commented on the partnership of Princeton Public Schools (PPS), Princeton Community Housing (PCH), and the YMCA that launched the preschool in September. “It was a classic example of ‘It takes a village,’” she said. “Princeton can be a bit siloed, but this is a great example of what happens when we’re all working together to come up with solutions that work.”
She pointed out that 13 or 14 of the 15 preschool students are residents in affordable housing, from families with low income. “This program is essential to them, and it’s great to get them in this early, for their learning and for the long-term trajectory of their education.”
PPS’ sixth free preschool class, the new Crimmins Learning Center classroom at Princeton Community Village is using the same space where the YMCA has operated the Princeton Young Achievers after-school program since 2011. The preschool runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the after-school program operates until 6 p.m. every day. READ MORE.
PCH HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Princeton, NJ - On Friday, October 15, Princeton Community Housing (PCH) held a virtual groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the upcoming construction of 25 new affordable homes and neighborhood enhancements at Princeton Community Village (PCV) - an existing PCH community. The new apartments will add to the total of 466 affordable rental apartments that PCH currently manages in Princeton. READ MORE.
Click here to watch the ceremony!
2021 SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Eight students who live at Princeton Community Village (PCV) have been awarded $52,500 in college scholarships through the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) and the New Jersey Affordable Housing Management Association (JAHMA).
On Tuesday, August 10th, Princeton Community Housing (PCH) held a virtual celebration to honor this achievement. This is the 20th consecutive year that students from PCV have received college scholarships through NAHMA and JAHMA.
Click here to read the article.
Princeton Community Housing Thanks Virtual Event Speakers, and Supporters
We are immensely grateful to Dr. Glaude, who not only contributed his time to the Princeton Community Housing but also made a very generous personal donation to the Emergency Rent Relief Fund. We also would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Rev. Mjumbe for contributing his time, knowledge, and the local perspective that guided the conversation. This included raising questions asked by attendees, speaking about the Princeton community, including our past and current shortcomings in racial equality, and drawing parallels between Paul Robeson and James Baldwin.
HARRIET BRYAN HOUSE AND ELM COURT ARE FEATURED IN SPECIAL ISSUE
"In a Senior Community, Friendships are Forged”
US 1 | Libby Zinman
Princeton, NJ - November 23, 2016 - “The rich fragrance of steaming borscht wafted into my apartment from Alexandra’s kitchen, awakening memories of my mother’s incomparable version of the famous Russian soup. As I passed the community room of the Harriet Bryan House on my way to a lecture at Princeton University, I waved to Xiu Ju Cheng, a Chinese friend practicing Tai Chi with shiny red and black fans in the lobby. She was surrounded by admirers chattering happily in Mandarin, a language familiar to me from a decade spent in Vietnam.”
“I had returned to America and Princeton from Vietnam after working there from 2001 to 2011 as director of a psychotherapy teaching clinic and a freelance writer for the city’s fashion and cultural magazines. My memories of a peaceful, polite culture informed by two great pillars of philosophy, Confucianism and Buddhism, were still vibrant 13,000 miles across the globe in Princeton.” Click here to download the issue.
