Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Troilo.
Hi Lori, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I came to HIP with little knowledge of housing issues, but with extensive experience in nonprofit organizations and a strong desire to give back to the community where I live and raised my family. It is very important to me to be part of work that advances a more equitable society—and housing is, quite literally, the foundation. I have lived in Mercer County for almost 30 years and am deeply committed to supporting the vision of it remaining a diverse and inclusive community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are real obstacles and challenges in this initiative- housing is very often unstable or unaffordable, and a single setback can put a household at risk. It has been eye-opening to see how limited the supply of affordable housing is, and how hard it can be for people to navigate systems that are not always easy to access or understand when you are already struggling. Our organization is small and the demand is great- we are grateful for the support of our donors, but feel like we could always be doing more.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the Executive Director of a small, hyper-local nonprofit, my daily work is rarely the same from one day to the next, and that variety has become one of the most meaningful parts of the role. On any given day, I might begin the morning helping unload a donated piece of furniture into a family’s new home, and later find myself sitting in a meeting with the mayor discussing community needs and housing challenges. In between those moments, I supervise our case managers, who are on the front lines working directly with client families, offering support, problem-solving, and connection to resources. I am part of all the committee work which includes governance, finance, development, advocacy, family services, family selection, events, and more. I am also the point person for community events and programs.
What has been most striking to me over time is how much I have learned by doing every part of this work-from the hands-on, practical tasks to the more strategic and leadership responsibilities. My role has grown steadily alongside the organization, and with it, my understanding of both the complexity and the urgency of the needs we are working to address.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
For those starting out in nonprofit work, my advice is to stay open to learning every part of the organization, no matter how small or unglamorous it may seem. Some of the most important lessons I have learned came from being willing to step into whatever was needed in the moment-whether that was helping with hands-on tasks, supporting program staff, or sitting in on meetings where I was still learning the language of the field.
Surround yourself with people who are committed to the mission and who are willing to teach and be taught.
Most importantly, stay connected to why you came into the work in the first place. The days can be full, messy, and unpredictable, but keeping sight of the people and communities you are serving helps ground everything else. This work is hard and sometimes it is not easy to feel the impact-but remember that you are doing good for the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.housinginitiativesofprinceton.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hipprinceton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/94101823/admin/dashboard/
