When Jane Okoth was promoted 14 years ago from her job at the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Lewisburg, Pa. to a position with the regional office in Philadelphia, she knew her children were not going to be happy about leaving their schools. So she told them they could select the school system they wanted to attend and the community in which they wanted to live, within reasonable distance of Philadelphia.

“They went online and picked Princeton, which reminded them of the schools they were in because Lewisburg is home to Bucknell University, another university town. I told them they’d have to do without a lot if we moved to Princeton, but they were willing,” Ms. Okoth said.

The family made the move and the children enrolled in Princeton’s public schools. But Ms. Okoth’s husband had trouble finding work. “It was a shock, because the cost of living was much higher than what we were used to,” she said. “It got to a point where things were really difficult.”

That’s when Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP), a non-profit organization funded by representatives of Princeton’s largest religious organizations and based at Trinity Episcopal Church, stepped in. The family was offered temporary accommodation in a house that Trinity Church owns at 11 Mercer Street. They were given assistance with their finances. Eventually, they were able to purchase a house of their own on Birch Avenue.

“Most importantly, it allowed the kids to stay in the Princeton school district, where they thrived,” Ms. Okoth said. Son Pinto Adhola graduated from Princeton University and now attends law school at Georgetown University. Daughter Simone Awor is a model in New York. Another son goes to Vanderbilt University, while a fourth offspring attends school online.

The family will share remarks at HIP’s annual Rent Party on Saturday, October 24, at Princeton’s Present Day Club.

Providing transitional housing to low-income working families and individuals — some of whom are homeless or facing homelessness — has been the mission of HIP since it was organized in 2001. The organization has been offering housing at three locations. Those selected to live in these three-bedroom units can stay for up to 24 months and are asked to assist with rent, based on their income. Typically, they live in the units for about 21 months and contribute 30 percent of the rent.

But more is needed. “Even though we don’t have additional units to place people, we are expanding our capacity with the rental assistance program, which we started in 2013,” said Ruth Thurmond Scott, who is stepping down after 11 years chairing the Board of Trustees. “We have to raise money.”

Many of the clients who are helped by HIP are in affordable housing and trying to retain what they have. While the economy has improved for many people, “The portion of the population we assist, which is very low income, has not seen substantial improvement,” Ms. Scott said. “These are low wage, lower skilled workers. That’s why HIP is so important. We never want to be perceived as providing charity, but as empowering families so they can chart out a course with our help.”

HIP’s model is in line with a two-generational approach to break the cycle of poverty. Promoted by The Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Aspen Institute, the idea is to foster the economic well-being of parents while simultaneously supporting their children’s education.

“The parents accepted into the HIP program are employed or employable, understanding that HIP exists to provide a bridge from imminent homelessness to permanent affordable housing, a short term respite where they’ll receive tools for self-sufficiency,” Ms. Scott said.”

Families are sometimes referred to HIP by clergy or other sources. “These are folks who really want to keep their children in the school district they’re in, which can be Princeton or West Windsor,” Ms. Scott said. “Just the fact that there is no disruption enables the kids to focus on their education. And that prepares them to get into universities. What that says to us is that these children have the same potential as others, but they need the opportunity to be around other children focused on education. They need access to the kinds of resources that exist in Princeton and similar communities, like after-school enrichment.”

Mr. Adhola confirms this. “One of the nicer things about the way HIP helped us is that it wasn’t really something I had to think about,” he said. “I think it’s really telling that I was just able to live my life and continue at my school. I didn’t worry about it because I didn’t have to. And they made that possible.”

Some 27 children have lived with their families in HIP homes, attending school in the Princeton, West Windsor-Plainsboro, and Montgomery systems. Three who attended private schools are merit scholars. Two have enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, while others have gone on to such universities as Princeton, Wesleyan, Vanderbilt, and Widener.

There is research indicating that environment and education are two proven paths out of poverty, Ms. Scott said. “It starts with families wanting a better life. If we can ensure that, giving them access to a better education, and at least, affordable housing, then they have a chance. For the kids who have excelled, it starts with housing. If they have a safe place to call home, they have a better chance.”

A succession planning committee and a local non-profit consultant is working on finding a replacement for Ms. Scott. A member of the town’s housing board, Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, and the Mercer County Board of Elections, Ms. Scott said she is stepping down because it’s time. “I believe in term limits, and it’s a long term for me,” she said. “Leadership change is healthy — for the person, for the organization, and particularly for an all-volunteer, community-based organization. New people can bring in new ideas and try different things.”

The sixth annual Rent Party on Saturday starts at 7 p.m. and includes African-Caribbean-inspired live music, food, cocktails, and a silent auction. The Present Day Club is located at 72 Stockton Street.

Visit www.housinginitiativesofprinceton.org to attend, or contribute to the rental assistance fund.