A Reason to Smile

A family consisting of two working parents and two small children were with HIP for two years. Although the father was working at a local food store and the mother was working as a cashier at a take-out food establishment, their combined income was not sufficient to cover the rent for their apartment in town and they became homeless. Upon moving into the Prescott House, a case manager, HIP board member and the parents started identifying needs and collaborating on a plan to improve their circumstances.

A local dentist who is a “Friend" of HIP completed dental work for the family pro bono, giving an instant ‘boost’ to the family member’s self esteem. HIP paid for the mother to receive job training as a certified Phlebotomist resulting in part-time and then full-time employment at the Medical Center of Princeton — a position that also provides medical insurance. As their vehicle was dying, another “Friend" of HIP (who had two vehicles, but needed only one) generously donated a reliable vehicle to this family so they could get to child care, work, etc. After graduating from HIP, this family secured a permanently affordable apartment in the area.