To the Editor:

During the past 10 months of the pandemic, residents who live in homes built and managed by Princeton Community Housing (PCH) have been the recipients of generosity by many organizations and food markets in Princeton. The challenge of making food available to those in need has been met by our community partners and we are very grateful for their initiatives.

Arm In Arm has provided 70 bags of food for 70 households, twice a month, at Elm Court (EC) and Harriet Bryan House (HBH), PCH’s senior developments on Elm Road. Princeton Community Village (PCV) residents have also received food deliveries. The YMCA has delivered 60 boxes of fresh produce every week, and over 100 households at our senior residences took turns receiving these food boxes. The YMCA also delivered weekly fresh produce boxes to 45 households at PCV and 30 households at Griggs Farm. The Jewish Family and Children’s Service mobile food truck delivered a reusable grocery bag to 90 residents at EC and HBH. The bag included fresh produce, chicken and non-perishables. The first delivery was on December 30 and hopefully will continue quarterly in 2021. The mobile pantry also delivered food to 20 residents at PCV on the same day.

Senior Care Services of Greater Princeton has provided volunteer grocery shopping to 15 residents. The Neighborhood Buddy Initiative has also provided volunteer grocery shopping to 10 residents. The Princeton Senior Resource Center’s Safe-4-Seniors Program arranged for groceries to be delivered to residents in partnership with the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTMA) and Ride Provide. Six residents participated.

McCaffrey’s donated 70 $10 gift cards for PCV and Griggs Farm residents for use during the holidays. Arm In Arm provided $20 gift cards for ShopRite to 70 households who participate in the mobile food pantry at EC and HBH. Stonehill Church provided Thanksgiving gift baskets directly to six residents’ doorsteps.

Princeton Community Housing residents have also received non-food generosity from the Stony Brook Garden Club, which brought flowers, wreaths, and other decorations for the holidays. The Arts Council of Princeton provided 50+ cloth masks to our senior residents early in the pandemic, when masks were difficult to find. The Princeton Christian Church donated 300 disposable masks during the summer to PCV and Griggs Farm.

What all of this adds up to is a very caring community!

In addition to thanking our community partners, we also send our gratitude to all the staff and trustees at PCH for their thoughtfulness, caring, and generosity in helping our residents get through this challenging time.

Sara Just
PCH Trustee, Riverside Drive