In the News: What's happening at PCH
& with affordable housing at large
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.
