The story of how businesses have combined skills to renovate a shelter in the wake of a recession.

For Immediate Release: Minneapolis, MN – When times are tough, People Serving People understands that a business may put their support on hiatus for a while until they have the ability to contribute to its shelter for homeless families. But that is not the case with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). This association of 225 talented individuals has found a way to redesign philanthropy by combining their talents to transform a blank-walled homeless shelter into a comforting and inviting space for struggling families to unwind and catch their breath. The funds for the makeover were donated by Target as part of the retailer’s commitment to helping children read proficiently and plans to donate $500 million by the end of 2015 to support education.

Since the fall of 2010, the IIDA Northland Chapter has been in and out of People Serving People’s shelter for homeless families – speaking with shelter guests, taking measurements of spaces, and gathering materials so they can use their talents as leaders in the industry of business space renovation to make the most out of the underutilized common areas in this bustling shelter.

The media is invited to witness this transformation at the unveiling of six renovated spaces throughout the shelter on April 4th, 2011 at 3:30pm – where families staying at the shelter will gather with IIDA Designers, and the many contractors and Target team member volunteers who worked to transform these spaces. There will be interview opportunities with IIDA Designers and guests and staff at People Serving People. There will also be many photographic opportunities – including delivery of books, guests seeing the redesigned space for the first time, and designers touring their renovated spaces.

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) is a professional networking and educational association of more than 10,000 Members in 8 specialty Forums, 9 Regions, and more than 30 Chapters around the world committed to enhancing the quality of life through excellence in interior design and advancing interior design through knowledge. IIDA Northland Chapter is one of the most active chapters in the Midwest. Our membership of over 225 consists of approximately 75 professionals, 20 students, 55 associate members and 59 industry representatives. IIDA Northland offers valuable continuing education programming and charity events that are held throughout the year in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. They are open to our membership and the local design community.

About People Serving People
People Serving People (PSP) is the largest and most comprehensive, family-focused shelter in Minnesota. The true face of homelessness is the face of a child. On an average night, PSP provides housing for more than 300 guests, two-thirds of which are under the age of 18. PSP provides for the immediate needs of families in crisis and offer long-term stability. In the midst of economic crisis, at-risk families experience the most dramatic effects. Investing in families today curbs long-term costs tomorrow. People Serving People is a 501(c)3 supported through corporate sponsorships, county partnerships, grants and gifts from individual donors. For more information visit www.peopleservingpeople.org.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,755 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.