Princeton Community Housing Receives Federal Aid for Seniors

Matthew Hersh

Princeton Community Housing has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for over $7 million that will help increase affordable housing for seniors in Princeton.

The grant, which was awarded to the not-for-profit housing organization last month, will cover approximately 75 percent of the estimated cost of an additional 68 units at Elm Court, the senior housing complex built in 1985.

In addition, PCH also received a $1.3 million commitment for Project Rental Assistance. This portion of the grant will subsidize rents for low-income seniors who qualify under HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing Program.

"More senior housing has been a topic that has been kicked around a lot in the community, and it's something that's needed," said Pat Hatton, a member of the board of trustees of Princeton Community Housing.

The grant itself was not easily obtained, however. Sandra Rothe, executive director of PCH said that convincing arguments had to be made to several governmental and social agencies.

"We had to get letters from various officials saying this was a need in Mercer County," she said. "It was a pretty extensive application, as we were competing with other affordable housing builders in New Jersey."

Ms. Rothe outlined the submission for the application, which was encapsulated in a four-inch-thick binder. She said HUD needed extensive background on all the players involved, including members of the board, experience of the members in executing efficient low-income housing, and letters from the mayors of Princeton Township and Borough, and their respective governing bodies.

In addition to providing a large percentage of the construction costs, the HUD grant also supplies rent subsidies for the residents. Harriet Bryan, who is co-president of PCH along with Sheila Berkelhammer, said that this will offer substantial aid to residents at the facility. While the average income at Elm Court is about $12,000 per year, many residents are at levels as low as $6,000, she said. All residents pay 30 percent of their income regardless of what it is, she added. The highest income allowed for residence at Elm Court is $26,100 per year, but "very, very few [residents] earn that kind of money."

"[The grant] is a huge subsidy and a tremendous help," she said.

Ms. Rothe pointed out that there is often a "misunderstanding" as to the demographic that makes up the residents at the facility.

"By and large, these were all working people," she said. "But many were hourly-paid workers [who worked] at the University, hospital, or they [worked] for individuals where they probably didn't have a significant social security investment and certainly no pension or retirement plan."

The planned expansion of Elm Court will bring the total number of units at the site to 155. A community kitchen and dining room, and an apartment for the Elm Court superintendent will be included. The apartment is counted as one of the 68 units.

While the grant's benefit is immeasurable, PCH is still a good deal off its mark for construction completion. As a result, the affordable housing organization is continuing to campaign for the additional funds necessary to complete the project. To date, PCH has received nearly $13,000 from the greater community.

Established in 1967, PCH's board is made up of sponsoring organizations. All churches in the community, the Princeton Theological Seminary, the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University, the YWCA, the Teachers' Association, and the League of Women Voters are included on the list of sponsors.