The Birdhouse Project

Telling the remarkable story of PCH’s Princeton Community Village and Elm Court communities; advocating for affordable homes; and raising funds to underwrite anniversary celebrations for our residents this summer. 

Read more about the project here.

Fine Feathered Favela

The inspiration for the design of this birdhouse complex comes from the favelas of Rio De Janeiro.  Favelas began as impoverished hillside shantytowns and have a history of poverty, governmental repression, and urban violence. However, over time they have evolved into “centers of creativity and innovation where residents have carved out vibrant street cultures and grassroots economies.”  

While favela residents still face many challenges including poverty and lack of infrastructure, for many who live there they provide a strong sense of community and pride.  The people look out for one another and understand the strength of collective action, creating numerous community organizations and initiatives that address local needs and foster social change.   

This community and cultural pride are also manifested vividly in their homes. As reflected in this birdhouse design, residents employ bright colors and ceramic tiles, as well as graffiti murals and mosaics to enhance their environment.  The ingenuity, resourcefulness and spirit of favela residents is truly admirable.  

Meet the Team

  • Sheila Nall

    DESIGNER

    Sheila Nall, pictured on the right, is a retired interior designer, Princeton local, and one of our enthusiastic ambassadors of PCH’s The Birdhouse Project. She is also currently the host of “I'm Frickin' Lonely...Tell Me Your Story! (Staying Connected Through Conversation)”, a podcast that can be listened to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or linked here on Sheila’s website.

    Pictured on the left is Chris Seldon, a Princeton resident and local artist that specializes in tattoo art, who spray painted the designs on the birdhouse. You can find his art on his Instagram: @chrisseldon.

  • The Yedlin Company & PCH

    BUILDERS

    Charlie Yedlin, pictured on the right, is the owner of The Yedlin Company, engaging in construction and property management since 1946. He is also a Princeton local and a proud ambassador of PCH’s The Birdhouse Project.

    Princeton Community Housing (PCH) is a non-profit that develops, manages, and advocates for affordable housing in Princeton, and initiated The Birdhouse Project. Executive Director, Edward Truscelli, is pictured on the left.

  • 1000 Herrontown Road

    HOST

    The two-story building on 1000 Herrontown Road has been home to PCH’s main office, as of April 2025. You can visit us on a walk-in basis from Mondays-Thursdays, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM on the second floor, Suite 201. Friday visits are by appointment only.

Progress photos courtesy of our builders and designers!

Princeton Community Housing is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that provides, manages, and advocates for affordable, safe and well-maintained homes, offering all people the opportunity to build more productive and fulfilling lives.

We envision Princeton as a vibrant, inclusive community that is home to people of all income levels.

In 2025, our largest and oldest community, Princeton Community Village, celebrated its 50th anniversary, and our first senior community, Elm Court, celebrated its 40th anniversary. All proceeds from The Birdhouse Project underwrote community-wide celebrations this past summer for our residents. By supporting us, you can help ensure milestone events to come— planned, organized, and celebrated with our neighbors.

Community is our Middle Name.

Thank you to our generous Sponsors of the Birdhouse Project!

…and thank you to our friends!

Justin Tree Services & Lawn Care

Justin Tree Services & Lawn Care is kindly donating the installation labor involved and will perch the birdhouses at our various host locations.

The Meeting House

The Meeting House Restaurant in Princeton, NJ kindly hosted our Birdhouse Project Kickoff Reception in April 2025.