Housing Initiatives of Princeton

What Housing Initiatives of Princeton does

Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) is a Princeton, NJ-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2001 that provides transitional housing, eviction prevention, and wraparound social services to low-income families and individuals facing housing insecurity in Mercer County. The organization is the only provider of transitional housing in Princeton, operating 8 townhomes where families typically reside for 12-24 months, paying 30% of their income in rent, while receiving case management, employment coaching, mental health services, financial counseling, and children's academic support delivered by staff with MSW/LCSW credentials. A separate Eviction Prevention Program delivers rental assistance and security deposit support countywide through partnerships with Arm in Arm and Homefront, and a 2024-launched Future Fund adds savings matching, emergency assistance, and a Thrive Fund for post-graduation support.

HIP's business model is grant- and donation-funded rather than revenue-generating. Income streams include charitable donations from individuals and businesses, foundation grants (including a transformational gift from the Shah Happiness Foundation in 2024), and government/quasi-governmental funding such as a $300,000 grant from Princeton University in 2024 for eviction prevention. Services are provided at no cost to eligible clients. The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees chaired by Tom Pinneo and led by Executive Director Lori Troilo, with alumni representation on the board and an advisory network including Princeton University sociology professor Matthew Desmond. HIP operates a community-led go-to-market: clients are reached through partner referrals, community outreach, and word-of-mouth, while donor engagement is driven by annual Rent Parties, Spring Gatherings, and partner-hosted events with local businesses such as Labyrinth Books, Jammin' Crepes, and Gratitude Yoga. The organization is rated by Charity Navigator and holds the GuideStar Seal of Transparency, and reports outsized outcomes including 92% of graduates still housed, 100% employed, and 100% reporting better financial circumstances.

Name

Housing Initiatives of Princeton

Legal name

Housing Initiatives of Princeton

Website

https://housinginitiativesofprinceton.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Housing Initiatives of Princeton is a Princeton, NJ-based nonprofit that provides transitional housing in 8 townhomes, eviction prevention rental assistance, and wraparound social services to low-income families and individuals facing housing insecurity across Mercer County, NJ.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Temporary Shelters (624221), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Housing Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention & Loss Mitigation Programs (FSALAKAM)

Keywords

• Transitional housing services
• Eviction prevention assistance
• Housing case management
• Affordable housing support
• Pro-housing policy advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Princeton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: HIP relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, businesses, and community members. The organization hosts fundraising events including annual Rent Parties, Spring Gatherings, and community fundraising events.
2. Foundation Grants: HIP receives grants from foundations including the Shah Happiness Foundation (part of the Sarva Mangal Family Trust) and other institutional funders to support programs.
3. Government Funding: HIP receives government funding including a $300K grant from Princeton University for eviction prevention programs supporting lower- and middle-income residents.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Housing Initiatives of Princeton provides transitional housing in 8 townhomes for low-income working families facing homelessness, with 12-24 month residency and comprehensive wraparound case management (employment, education, mental health, financial guidance). The organization also delivers an Eviction Prevention Program offering rental arrears assistance and security deposits to Mercer County residents, plus the Future Fund supporting long-term client stability and pro-housing policy advocacy.

Product overview

Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of housing-related programs. The core offerings include a Transitional Housing Program providing 8 townhomes with comprehensive wraparound services for 12-24 months, an Eviction Prevention Program offering rental assistance and security deposits, and a Future Fund providing savings matching and emergency assistance. Additionally, HIP engages in pro-housing policy advocacy. These programs work together to provide a pathway from homelessness to stable housing, addressing the housing insecurity needs of Mercer County, NJ residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Transitional Housing Program

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% of HIP program graduates are still safely housed in their own apartments or homes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Housing & Community Development Network of NJcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIP is a member of the Housing & Community Development Network of NJ, working together with others committed to making housing more accessible. HIP engages in pro-housing policy initiatives as part of this network.
• Arm in ArmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing rental assistance to non-Princeton Mercer County residents. HIP collaborates with Arm in Arm to serve families throughout Mercer County, including Trenton.
• HomefrontcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing rental assistance to non-Princeton Mercer County residents. Homefront provides food, furniture, and housing services. HIP refers non-Princeton residents to Homefront for assistance.
• Municipality of PrincetoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Municipality of Princeton works with HIP on housing initiatives and community development programs for Princeton residents.
• Arts Council of PrincetonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with HIP on community events including art-making and dance programs for families.
• Princeton Public LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosts events with HIP including author discussions and housing policy presentations, such as the Book Brunch with Adelle Waldman and A Conversation with Matt Hersh.
• Eviction LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch organization focused on eviction data and policy. HIP uses their research (referencing Notre Dame University eviction prevention studies) to support program outcomes.
• Penn MedicineminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing medical services and support to HIP clients.
• YWCA PrincetonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing workforce development and ESL programming for HIP clients.
• Labyrinth BooksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal bookstore partner hosting book events and shopping days benefiting HIP.
• Jammin' CrepesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal restaurant that donates 25% of April profits to HIP's Eviction Prevention and Transitional Housing Programs during HIP's Jammin' Month of Crepes.
• Gratitude YogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoga studio that hosts community classes by donation to support HIP.
• Nassau Presbyterian ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal congregation partner; Rev. David Davis serves as Ex-Officio Board member.
• Trinity Episcopal ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal congregation partner; Rev. Paul Jeanes III serves as Ex-Officio Board member.
• Princeton Alliance ChurchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal congregation partner supporting HIP's mission.
• The Jewish CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal congregation partner supporting HIP's mission.
• Princeton Mobile Food PantryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing food access services to HIP clients.
• Princeton Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVal Henry, Chair of Family Selection, is associated with Princeton Public Schools. Partners on educational support for children in HIP housing.
• Princeton Community HousingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffordable housing partner in the Princeton area.
• Habitat for HumanityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHabitat partner providing affordable housing construction support.
• Saint VincentsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial services partner providing support to HIP clients.
• Share My MealsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing meal services to HIP families.
• Stone HillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner supporting HIP initiatives.
• Community & Regional AffairsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty-level partner for community affairs and development.
• Non Profit ConnectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit network connecting HIP with resources and collaboration opportunities.
• Jewish Family & Children's ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelle Napell, Executive Director, serves as Ex-Officio Board member. Provides family services to HIP clients.
• New Jersey Coalition to End HomelessnessminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnie Mercer serves as Ex-Officio Board member. Statewide coalition working to end homelessness.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Family Promise: National nonprofit that mobilizes congregations to provide shelter and stabilization services for families experiencing homelessness. Directly comparable to HIP because both run transitional housing programs with wraparound services for low-income families; HIP's congregational model mirrors Family Promise's network approach.
• Arm in Arm: Trenton-area nonprofit offering food, housing, and social services to low-income families. Directly comparable to HIP because it is a co-referral partner for HIP's rental assistance program across Mercer County, serving overlapping client populations.
• Homefront: Lawrenceville, NJ-based nonprofit providing housing, food, and furniture assistance to families in need. Directly comparable to HIP because it operates in the same Mercer County geography and is a referral partner for HIP's eviction prevention program for non-Princeton residents.

Broad incumbents

• New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness: Statewide advocacy and technical assistance organization. Comparable because HIP's Executive Director of the coalition (Connie Mercer) sits on HIP's Board, evidencing direct operational overlap on statewide pro-housing policy and continuum-of-care coordination.
• Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton: Regional Catholic social services agency offering a broad portfolio of housing, food, and case management programs. Comparable because it operates the same housing-stabilization model at a wider regional scale; HIP partners with affiliated congregations.

Emerging players

• Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness: Coalition coordinating homelessness response across Mercer County. Comparable because it operates in the same service area and provides systemic advocacy that complements HIP's direct service and eviction prevention work.

Others

• Jewish Family & Children's Services of Greater Mercer County: Regional social services nonprofit serving families across Mercer County. Comparable because it is a HIP partner and board-represented (Executive Director serves ex officio), addressing related family-stabilization needs like HIP's wraparound services.
• YWCA Princeton: Local YWCA providing workforce development and ESL programming. Comparable because it is a HIP partner supplying specific wraparound components (ESL, workforce) that complement HIP's transitional housing model.

Regional players

• Princeton Community Housing: Local nonprofit operating affordable rental housing in the Princeton area. Comparable because it sits at the next stage of HIP's client pipeline, providing the permanent affordable housing that HIP transitional residents aim to graduate into.
• Habitat for Humanity of Trenton & Mercer County: Local Habitat affiliate constructing affordable homes in Mercer County. Comparable because it serves the same geography and HIP lists Habitat as a partner for affordable housing construction support, though Habitat focuses on homeownership rather than transitional housing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HousingInitiativesofPrinceton

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Housing Initiatives of Princeton