Luisa Caraballo serves as Princeton Community Housing (PCH)’s Social Services Manager, a role she stepped into in December 2024. Based primarily at Harriet Bryan House and neighboring Elm Court, she supports residents across all four PCH communities— over 1,100 people of varying ages and income levels. Her position represents a reimagined, organization-wide approach to supportive services, moving beyond the previous property-by-property model to strengthen communication, partnerships, and resident well-being through what PCH calls the PCH Difference.

Before joining PCH, Luisa worked in affordable housing settings where housing and social services were handled separately, with clear lines in between. She was immediately drawn to PCH’s integrated approach, describing the PCH Difference as the necessary “extra sauce”, or the commitment to going beyond the roof and walls to ensure residents have the support and resources they need to thrive. As an “old school” social worker, she values in-person communication, which she sees as essential in a post-Covid environment, particularly for older adults who face increased risks of isolation.

Luisa’s day-to-day work varies, but it begins with assessing priorities and checking on essential programs, including the Congregate Care Program at Elm Court and Harriet Bryan House. This program provides meals, limited personal care, housekeeping, and transportation for seniors and mobility-impaired residents, and Luisa works closely with PCH’s Congregate Care Coordinator to ensure services run smoothly. She stays in constant communication with residents through digital boards, digital announcements, flyers, and on-site engagement, encouraging autonomy while connecting individuals with community resources such as food access, healthcare, social programs, and rental assistance.

Leading PCH’s social services department, which includes the Social Services Coordinator for PCV and Griggs Farm, Luisa collaborates closely with property managers and staff to respond to evolving resident needs with flexibility, empathy, and compassion. She finds deep fulfillment in both serving residents and working alongside colleagues, striving each day to know she has done everything possible to help someone’s situation. Luisa especially enjoys working with older adults, appreciating the opportunity to learn from their experiences and wisdom.

For Luisa, community is a necessity. “Community is survival,” she reflects. “We must work together for each other to thrive.”