The Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Investors Foundation of Investors Bank, to extend the organizations professional career counseling services.
Officials said the grant will enable more individuals to move from low-wage jobs to jobs that offer economic stability, benefits and career opportunities.
The funding will further HIP’s mission to help low-income working families and individuals in and around Princeton tp avoid homelessness, according to HIP officials.
“While providing transitional housing for 12-24 months, HIP equips families with the tools for self-sufficiency, bridging the gap between homelessness and hope,” said Carol Golden, Chairwoman of HIP’s Board of Trustees.
In 2017, HIP added professional career counseling to the suite of individualized wraparound services it offers individuals. Since then, people have moved from contract low-wage jobs to full-time salaried positions with benefits, with some increasing their annual earnings by $6-9,000 – a 20-35% increase in earnings for clients, according to officials.
“This grant from Investors will allow HIP to help Princeton area families advance in their careers, earning better wages and securing employer-provided benefits, so they can provide a stable home to their children and break the cycle of poverty,” she said.
Officials said the Housing Initiatives of Princeton Charitable Trust envisions the Princeton area as a diverse community where low-income families thrive with secure housing, employment and education.
For more information about HIP programs, contact HIP by visiting housinginitiativesofprinceton.org or call 609-497-4535.