HIP’s 4th Annual Rent Party

On Saturday, October 26, 2013, friends of Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) came together at Princeton’s Present Day Club for HIP’s fourth annual Rent Party fundraiser. The 2013 Rent Party offered a Latin theme in recognition of rent parties having been a part of the Hispanic culture in East Harlem, NY, and a number of HIP clients have come from the Caribbean, Central and South America.

The evening featured a Ceviche Bar, a Latin-inspired gourmet dinner, and beers, waters and wines from Latin American countries. The menu combined with music by Guitarist, Arturo Romay, Salsa dancing instructions and demo by Sergio Sotovando (Princeton Salsa Club) and Jimena Ayelen ensured all guests an opportunity to experience some Latin culture. The highlight of the evening was the testimony of a recent HIP graduate who helped guests appreciate the holistic approach HIP employs when assisting a family, and how their support helps to transition a family from housing crisis and associated challenges to hope.

Rent Parties emerged in New York City after World War I as millions of southerners’ left economic deprivation to pursue the American Dream in the North, and many from Latin America migrated to New York City. When the rent fell short, a common practice was to organize “rent parties,” inviting neighbors for an evening of food, music, and dancing. Guests paid a small admission fee to help raise the rent.

Rent Parties offer a powerful example of neighbors helping neighbors—a perfect symbol of HIP’s current work in the Princeton community. The HIP board in collaboration with local congregations, individuals, some businesses, foundations and charitable trusts supports lower-income working parents in our midst who are struggling economically and from other life setbacks, helping them evade homelessness and chart a successful future for themselves and their children.