Families are referred to People Serving People by Hennepin County. PSP also accepts "walk-in", self-paying clients. Self-pays are those persons who are homeless and do not meet the county criteria for service, but who have another source of support, such as funding from another agency, social security, wages from a job, etc.

When a family arrives, they are required to complete an assessment and meet with an advocate who helps them set goals. Our programs, which include 21 collaborative partners, generate the best practices aimed at fostering resilience in children whose families are suffering from homelessness and poverty.

We offer a common-sense, holistic approach to moving families back into their own homes. On-site services include: a pre-school and infant/toddler childcare center, medical clinic, housing and employment center, job training center, mental health and counseling services, computer labs, libraries, and a cafeteria.

Emergency Housing – There are 99 emergency housing rooms at People Serving People. Most of our guests are referred to PSP for emergency housing. The average stay for a guest is 28 days.

Guest Services – Guest services operates much like a hotel concierge where messages and mail are kept and basic need items are always available. During a families stay guests are given "move-in" baskets which include cleaning supplies, hygiene products, items for their children like diapers, formula and games/books specifically used to initiate family-time. Families are also given "move-out" baskets consisting of items one would need when moving into an apartment (cleaning supplies, kitchenware, linens, etc.).

Security – We provide 24-hour security for our guests and staff; maintaining our pledge to provide a safe and sober environment for all who enter our "home".

Advocacy – The Advocate Program provides information on all services offered at PSP. Within forty-eight hours of registering at PSP, each family, single adult or unaccompanied youth is scheduled for an interview with a family advocate. On-site and community services available to each family are presented in a comfortable, one-on-one environment. During this time, the family is given a brief tour of the facility, with emphasis placed on services specific to that guests needs - which are as unique as they are. Each family, with staff guidance, develops realistic short-term and long-term goals. To promote the completion of these goals, our program offers on-site training in the areas of life skills (coping skills, community connections, money management, budgeting, resume writing and interviewing workshops) in an attempt to give them the best possible opportunity for success once they move into their own community and home.

Supportive Housing Program – Many extensive and intensive efforts take place to assist residents in emergency shelter. There are, however, even greater opportunities to help families when a longer-term contact with them is possible. With the space and ability to operate a Supportive Housing program, PSP is now able to work with 10 families with multi-level barriers an unlimited timeline.

People Serving People has 10 two-bedroom apartments. Residents of these apartments pay reduced-rate rents for their space and can avail themselves of the services offered by the on-site collaborative agencies. In addition, Supportive Housing residents are provided free telephone service, laundry facilities, utilities, furniture and appliances, and are able to provide and cook their own meals and provide supplies necessary for personal needs and apartment upkeep.

The purpose of the Supportive Housing program is to help families establish a solid foundation of good rental history, employment, education, and family stability.

The Family/Adult Activities are offered for any family or adult currently residing at People Serving People. The activities give parents and their children a chance to work together to create an art project, play a game or watch a movie in a safe environment. The program gives the families a chance to take a break from their everyday stresses and enjoy spending time together. The Adult activity is an activity for any person staying at People Serving People 18 or older. The activities include art projects, game nights, discussion groups, yoga and movies.