HIP’s Transitional Housing is a proven pathway out of homelessness…

Families graduate into safe, permanent homes of their own, after initially coming to HIP without the income and credit scores to qualify for local affordable housing.

While in the program (which typically lasts 1 - 2 years), families pay 30% of their incomes in rent and receive comprehensive, personalized wraparound services from the HIP team to improve their employment, education, mental health, and finances, and secure affordable, permanent housing. Children in the program receive academic and other support, plus enrichment programming so they can thrive.

Last year, HIP helped over 200 children and adults facing eviction to stay in their homes or secure a new home. Many of these families needed rental assistance after losing a job or experiencing a one-time emergency expense (like a large car repair or medical bill).

HIP also provides security deposits for new apartments, so families and individuals can leave overcrowded, hazardous, or violent situations. Last year HIP doubled the number of families we served due to the increasing number of evictions in NJ.

HIP helps Mercer County residents withstand a crisis so their lives are not unraveled by it and they can regain stability. Research by Notre Dame University demonstrated that by providing eviction prevention assistance similar to our program, the chance of homelessness is reduced by 73% in 12 months.

HIP Pro-Housing Policy & Initiatives

HIP engages the community and lawmakers to remove barriers that low-income NJ families face when applying for affordable housing, and to support initiatives that will alleviate the local housing shortage. HIP brings 23 years of “boots on the ground” experience to local and state-wide initiatives to help drive necessary change. We work together with others committed to making housing more accessible as a member of the Housing & Community Development Network of NJ.