On Thursday, October 8, 2026, People Serving People officially celebrated the opening of its third shelter to support families experiencing homelessness—Belonging Place—and was joined by members of the community, including Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis, as well as individual and corporate donors. It was truly a cross-sector event showcasing the amazing work that happens when we combine efforts to care for our neighbors.
Capria Lee, Belonging Place Manager, kicked off the event reflecting on what it took to open Belonging Place, sharing, “This moment did not happen overnight. It took countless hours of planning, hard work, problem-solving, dedication, and most importantly, a shared belief that every family deserves a safe place to call home—even if that home is temporary.”
To the families of Belonging Place, she said, “We want you to know that you are welcome here. You matter here. You are seen here. And most importantly, you belong here.” Lee concluded, “Welcome to Belonging Place—a place to feel safe, a place to find support, and a place to belong.”
President and CEO of People Serving People, Hoang Murphy, recognized and thanked Hennepin County, stating, “This year, the county did something new. Recognizing that its overflow shelter model was unsustainable for families, it pivoted to end that model and instead partner with us to have adequate shelter beds and People Serving People’s comprehensive services to both meet the need and help families rebuild stability.”
Murphy added that Hennepin County’s shift, along with its longstanding shelter guarantee for families, “is what a deep commitment to family success looks like. It’s about doing what justice demands, not simply what basic compliance requires.”
The program included remarks by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who also commended Hennepin County for “putting your money, time, and effort where your mouth is.” He added, “This happened because of you and the work of People Serving People.” Hennepin County District 3 Commissioner, Marion Greene, exuberantly approached the stage after Mayor Frey.
She spoke about Hennepin County’s “long and trusted partnership with People Serving People.” She shared, “A key underpinning of that partnership is Hennepin County’s commitment to sheltering all families.” To loud applause, she added that Hennepin County is the only county in the country committed to ensuring no child sleeps outside.
Hennepin County District 4 Commissioner Angela Conley shared her experience from 25 years ago, when she had to leave an unsafe housing situation abruptly and was fortunate to move with her children into her sister’s basement. She reflected, “There are so many of us who find ourselves in positions, like I did, where we have nowhere to go not through any fault of our own, but through life circumstances.” Conley added, “And for any organization that steps up to take care of people because of life circumstances, that deserves applause.”
The event’s remarks were closed out by Jordan Grace Miller, Board Chair for People Serving People, who celebrated this occasion, remarking, “What I’ve come to appreciate most during my time on the board is that People Serving People never stands still. As the needs of families in our community evolve, People Serving People evolves with them.”
How You Can Support Our New Shelter
1. Give Money
We depend on our community to help us fund the costs of opening and maintaining a third shelter for families. Your donation’s impact can be measured every day, whether it helps fund the nearly $1 million in initial renovations for Belonging Place or helps us buy diapers and formula, blankets and sheets, or cleaning supplies; every dollar means we can provide safe, dignified shelter for caregivers and their children.
2. Give Items
Our supporters have already started standing up for families by donating so many of the initial supplies that families will need when they arrive. Help us keep this generous momentum going. Shop our wish list or visit our Donate Items page to learn more.
3. Give Time
It’s no overstatement to say volunteers make our work possible. Find out how you can give your time and talents to support families at any of our three shelter locations by serving meals, providing childcare, helping with special projects, and more.
4. Become a Corporate Sponsor
Join other businesses who care deeply about their neighbors. Become a Corporate Sponsor and support families experiencing homelessness through meaningful employee engagement and financial sponsorships.
5. Stay Connected
Follow us on social (links in footer) and subscribe to our e-newsletter, Community Connection, to stay up to date on People Serving People’s expansion, ongoing work to support families experiencing homelessness, and our systems change advocacy to end family homelessness.
