People Serving People was founded as a shelter to meet a community need. That need has only increased, and People Serving People has expanded its services and reach as well as its expertise in walking hand in hand with families as they decide what they most need to achieve the lives they envision for themselves.
In 1982, People Serving People was founded as a shelter for men with substance use disorders. The name People Serving People was inspired by community members identifying needs and choosing to give back and help to strengthen their community, a value that we still hold close. The shelter was housed in a wing of the Francis Drake hotel, which Hennepin County later used as an overflow shelter until the hotel was destroyed by fire in 2020.
After a decade of service, People Serving leadership reassessed the community’s needs. We transitioned to serving families after seeing a growing need across Hennepin County due to increasing numbers of families experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
In 2002, twenty years after our founding, our current Downtown Shelter facility opened its doors in Minneapolis. Our 11-floor building, built in 1917, houses everything under one roof: space for community partners and programs, classrooms, 99 private shelter rooms, 10 permanent supportive apartments, and administrative offices.
In 2016, we expanded our childcare program and opened a new off-site childcare facility, the Center of Excellence, located in downtown Minneapolis, within walking distance of our Downtown Shelter. Our center, now the Early Learning Center, Main Site, serves families who have left the shelter but would like to keep their children connected to our high-quality programming, as well as neighborhood families looking for a 4-Star Parent Aware-rated and affordable childcare option.
In 2020, we achieved a long-standing strategic goal by launching a Family Homelessness Prevention program. This initiative serves families before they become homeless and those who have left the shelter but need assistance to remain stable.
The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in the Spring of 2020, impacted every aspect of our work. We had to continuously adapt our programs and services to protect the health of our families and staff. During this time, our team:
Covid-19 cases dropped significantly following a steep surge in the beginning of 2022. That spring, People Serving People entered a “new normal”. We are incredibly grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, and families who helped us weather this storm. This experience taught us that we can overcome any obstacle when we have our community by our side.
In May of 2024, People Serving People was gifted St. Anne’s Place, a shelter that opened in 1989 for women or non-binary heads of household and their children. As we get to know our new families, we will continue to learn from the good work of St. Anne’s Place and the insights it offers, and work to integrate our programs to help all of our families reach the goal of financial and housing stability.
Explore how you can donate, volunteer, and advocate to support families so they can create the lives they envision for themselves.
Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator
Nolan joined People Serving People in January of 2025. He came to us with several years of volunteer management experience through various organizations including HandsOn Twin Cities, PRISM (People Responding in Social Ministry), and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Nolan is also a University of Minnesota alumni with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
Having started his career through volunteerism, Nolan is passionate about social services and loves to leverage connections with others who want to share their time, talents, and expertise towards missions that are critical to our community.
Outside of work, Nolan loves to spend his free time hiking all the lakes the Twin Cities has to offer. He is a passionate parrot owner and will take his companion outdoors with him in a harness when the weather permits! He also has a variety of hobbies including aquascaping, drawing, billiards, reading, and indulging in video games.
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Denyse Johnson is an innovative and forward-thinking community member who leverages her experience in communications, data collection, project support, and community relations to intentionally build strong relationships and foster equitable opportunities. Her commitment is to enhance community well-being through impactful initiatives in housing, education, wealth building, and career development.
Denyse graduated from Metropolitan State University with a BA in Organizational Communications and a minor in Ethnic Studies. Before joining People Serving People in November 2024, she worked with other community non-profits that were centered around economic stability and youth engagement. She prides herself on working in the community of Minneapolis and will always strive to make it the best community to live in for marginalized people.
Denyse enjoys advocating for the overlooked and is happy to be back in her home driving change after having lived in Charlotte, NC for three years. In her free time, she enjoys going to watch local musicians perform, attending community festivals, traveling with her son, and enjoying her favorite place—Como Park Conservatory.
Sajinee is a community-centered fundraiser and connector, building and deepening collaboration across the community to support those with the most need. The core of everything she does is in improving the human experience, individually and collectively.
She graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts and the College of Design with an Individualized Degree in Psychology, English and Design Studies with a focus in User Experience applied to inter and intra human experiences. Her career started in Employee Relations and retention work, then transitioned into fundraising in major giving at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities for 6 years before starting at People Serving People in 2024.
When Sajinee isn’t working, she enjoys spending her time writing, drawing, dancing, crocheting, and consuming all things science fiction and fantasy.
Kenzie Maybrun is the Development Operations Specialist at People Serving People, where she tracks data for the Development team and translates it into actionable insights. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Minnesota and is a certified Salesforce administrator.
Kenzie’s goals are always to use data and analytics to assist her team members in making the best decisions possible to support our shelters. When she isn’t deep in an Excel spreadsheet, you can find her on the golf course or petting her cats.
Advancement Associate of Volunteering for St. Anne's Place
Kathy Moe is the Advancement Associate of Volunteering for St. Anne’s Place and has coordinated the St. Anne’s Place volunteer program since 2017. She is grateful to work with volunteers and donors to support the families at People Serving People and is appreciative of how the community continues to step up to fight homelessness and create systemic change. Connecting volunteers to opportunities to create change is the perfect fit for her goal of making the biggest impact possible using each volunteer’s unique skills and interests to serve People Serving People’s families with dignity.
Kathy holds a BA in psychology from St. Olaf College and a MS in Public Policy & Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School of Public Policy & Management. She has spent decades managing volunteer programs throughout the Midwest.
In her free time, Kathy enjoys time with her family, traveling, cooking, being active, and spending time near the water.
Elaina is passionate about uplifting her community and amplifying People Serving People’s work through ethical storytelling and community-centric fundraising. She uses her love of writing to encourage others to stand up for their neighbors and challenge the systemic inequities that perpetuate homelessness.
Before joining People Serving People in 2021, Elaina served a year in the AmeriCorps program as a Marketing and Communications AmeriCorps VISTA for Aeon, a local housing non-profit. She graduated from Carroll University in 2019 with a degree in Political Science and Professional Writing, alongside a double minor in Marketing and Communications. During her time in college, Elaina interned with her alma mater’s marketing team and supervised University events as a student worker. She is thrilled to use her professional and educational experience to advocate for the needs of families.
When she’s not working, Elaina is either hanging out with her cat or focused on her plethora of hobbies. These include rock climbing, jiu jitsu, archery, reading, playing video games, backpacking, rollerblading, and hanging out at arcades.
Cheryl Paynes is the Director of St. Anne’s Place at People Serving People. With more than 15 years of experience in Human Services, Cheryl has devoted her career to supporting families experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Her background includes work as a domestic violence advocate, housing specialist and case manager, as well as serving families through Section 8 and Public Housing programs.
Throughout her career, Cheryl has been a strong advocate for equity, dignity, and empowerment. Her passion lies in helping individuals and families overcome barriers, achieve stability, and reach their personal and professional goals.
Melia Smith is a community-driven fundraiser with a focus on establishing, analyzing, and overhauling fundraising operations and community-centered funding strategies. Her fundraising praxis is rooted in justice, and she does her best work when she gets opportunities to blend traditional and grassroots fundraising practices to advance equitable philanthropic practices.
Melia graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Social Work. Before joining People Serving People in July of 2025, she has worked the spectrum of development roles at a variety of social service nonprofits, including Andre House, a homeless services agency in Phoenix, AZ, and two Feeding America food banks: Three Square in Las Vegas, NV, and United Food Bank in Mesa, AZ.
Melia is an organizer, artist, and community ed enthusiast, and moved to St. Paul from Phoenix, AZ in 2022. In her free time, she enjoys petting every dog she meets, taking long walks along the Mississippi River Trail, and giving unsolicited pop culture commentary.
Director of Early Childhood Education
Kristen Wheeler Highland is a veteran Early Childhood/School Age professional with many years of experience both in direct service and in the role of consultant/ coach for providers, programs, and staff. Throughout her career, Kristen has held many positions within the field. Currently, Kristen is the Director of Early Childhood Education with People Serving People.
Her broad experiences in early childhood settings and leadership roles have brought with them an appreciation for the rich depth and diversity of settings available for children and their families. Kristen utilizes her past experiences to inform the topics she researches and speaks on. Kristen’s speaking and training style is laid back and approachable, infusing humor and stories from her own life and experiences. In her (rare but cherished) spare time, Kristen enjoys basking in nature, exploring new crafts, and spoiling her grandchildren.
Kristin Smith is the Scheduler and Project Specialist who supports the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team in their planning and execution of executive-level meetings and events. Before joining People Serving People, Kristin provided project management and consultation support across academia, nonprofits, aviation, and publishing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literary Studies at Georgia State University and her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University.
When she’s not working or binge-watching Star Trek, Kristin volunteers with her congregation to promote the communal unity, compassion, and empathy that serve as recurring themes in her manuscripts.
Controller
Alain Kpela is a proven financial leader with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit and grant-based accounting, financial operations, and strategic resource management. As Controller at People Serving People, he oversees finance and accounting functions, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and alignment with the organization’s mission to support families experiencing homelessness.
Prior to joining People Serving People, Alain held key financial leadership roles at US Math Recovery Council, Avivo, and the YWCA of Minneapolis, where he led initiatives in ERP implementation, audit readiness, budgeting, forecasting and internal controls. His work has consistently driven operational efficiency and strengthened financial stewardship across diverse nonprofit environments.
He holds an MBA from Metropolitan State University and a master’s in economics from the University of Lomé. Fluent in French, Alain brings a global perspective and analytical rigor to his work. His collaborative leadership style is grounded in integrity and a strong commitment to community, reflected in his long-standing volunteer service as a treasurer and finance committee member for faith-based organizations.
Outside of work, Alain enjoys cycling, amateur photography, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Director of Shelter Services & Family Wellness
Shalonda Flowers is the Director of Shelter Services & Family Wellness at People Serving People. She has years of experience serving families who navigate systems involving housing and financial instability. She is passionate about building trauma-informed, person-centered services that foster stability, resilience, and long-term well-being. Shalonda has a strong background in crisis response and family programs.
Prior to joining People Serving People in March 2024, Shalonda served as Director of Youth and Family Services at Minnesota Associations for Children’s Mental Health. She also served at The Union Gospel Mission, where she held multiple roles from 2009 to 2022. Her final role at UGM was Director of Programs.
Shalonda has worked with families for over 25 years. She studied at Concordia University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Learning and Development and a master’s degree specializing in Educational Leadership. Her focus is on establishing relationships that are fostered by demonstrating authenticity, developing mutual trust, and genuinely caring for those she is fortunate to work with.
Grace Rieck is the Senior Director of Enterprise Operations at People Serving People, where she joined the team in July 2022. She believes that every human has the right to quality housing, and she strives to dismantle systems of oppression at play in our work. In her role at People Serving People, Grace supports operations across all PSP sites and leads large building-related projects.
Grace attended Arizona State University for Violin Performance. Her career has included a variety of roles in residential remodeling and nonprofit leadership. In her spare time, you can find her playing social sports and cooking fun meals.
Laurel Lilligren is the Director of Family Supports at People Serving People. She knows the power and impact of strong support systems. She is fortunate in her role to be able to help develop, implement, and work to continually improve programs that provide wrap-around supports for families experiencing housing instability.
Laurel’s career began at People Serving People in 2009, starting as an intern and working in varied direct service roles within the department she now leads. She sits on several committees, including the Hennepin County Coordinated Entry Leadership Committee and the Hennepin County Healthcare for the Homeless Board. Laurel has a Bachelor of Science in Family Social Science and a minor in Family Violence Prevention from the University of Minnesota and a Mini-MBA for Nonprofit Organizations Certificate from the University of St. Thomas.
Outside of work at PSP, Laurel enjoys hiking and paddleboarding with her partner, binge-watching reality TV, and going on solo trips to recharge.
Kenneth Smith is People Serving People’s Director of Belonging. He is an experienced Human Resource Professional with expertise in profit and non-profit operations, compliance, and the administration of local, state, and federal residential laws. Kenneth earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
Kenneth is committed to empowering individuals, communities, and organizations. For over 30 years, he has responded to individuals in the community who have been impacted by systems of oppression, loss of family members, housing, employment, education, and dreams. Kenneth is a beacon of light in the way he listens, asks questions, and reassures individuals and communities to respond and rise above life challenges. His strong negotiation skills and sound judgment are exemplary.
Ken’s experience in mending and building healthy teams and individuals is steeped in his wisdom and hope for humanity. He is competent in designing and facilitating training for all sectors—an effective consultant for both employees and employers.
When he isn’t hard at work at PSP, Kenneth spends time spoiling his grandchildren, volunteering at church, and training his dog.
Jen Gehrig joined People Serving People as the Director of Communications in May of 2025. She began her career as a court advocate for women and their children escaping domestic violence in Illinois. After practicing law for several years, Jen transitioned to higher education administration at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She served as the Assistant Dean for the School of Education until 2013, when she became the Director of Marketing for the university, a position she held until joining People Serving People.
Jen attended Hamline University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy. She then obtained her JD from Hamline’s School of Law. Additionally, Jen holds an MA in Theology with a certificate in Spiritual Direction from St. Catherine University.
Throughout her career, Jen has been an advocate, a listener, and a storyteller. She uses her passion for storytelling—and her love for the Oxford comma—to amplify the voices of the families as well as the amazing partnerships that staff, donors, and volunteers build with the families served by People Serving People. Outside of work, Jen enjoys spending time with her husband and furry family (a dog and two cats), being outdoors, a great book, and searching for vintage treasures.
Amanda is the Director of Advancement at People Serving People. She entered the fundraising and nonprofit space in college, leading her college’s Habitat for Humanity Chapter. That experience launched her 15-year career delving into building partnerships with community members, neighbors, and volunteers to solve community challenges together. After graduating, she served for two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA working on behalf of schools, then transitioned to corporate relations and major giving at Augsburg University. Most recently, she served as the Development & Communications Director at Children’s Law Center of Minnesota. Amanda is passionate about racial justice, LGBT rights, and creating a more just and equitable community for all. You can find her reading, making art, baking, getting outside, especially in the Minnesota summers, spending time with her wife, Aliya, and pup Linus.
Charlotte Kinzley is the Chief Program Officer of People Serving People. Charlotte has spent over 25 years working in Minneapolis shelters, transitional housing facilities, and schools to support the growth and resilience of young people who have experienced homelessness. She believes in the power of education and the importance of equitable practices in all spaces where young people live and learn.
Before joining People Serving People in September 2025, Charlotte served as the Director of Homeless/Highly Mobile Student Support Services at Minneapolis Public Schools, where she helped launch Stable Homes Stable Schools, an innovative cross-sector program designed to end homelessness for students in MPS. Before her MPS role, she worked at Mary’s Place, where she created and led family advocacy and literacy interventions.
Outside of her role at PSP, Charlotte loves to spend time with her partner, three young adult children, and her dog. Cooking, meditation and yoga, painting, and spending time in nature fill her cup and keep her grounded.
Bob-e Simpson Epps, Founder/CEO BASE Consulting, Sr. Advisor Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, University of MN Interdisciplinary Research Project, EDI TF, CAAB, Restorative Justice, SPARK, committee member, and Sr. Director People & Culture, People Serving People, Minnesota.
She has spent a lifetime working to enhance the operations and effectiveness of organizations in both the public and private sectors. Her commitment is to build strong, healthy, and resilient communities, engaging all in conversations to build and sustain diverse environments, leading to the extraction of knowledge, wisdom, and reflection of self and others. Much of her work focuses on issues of relationship building, intergenerational connection, human connection, race, racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Bob-e is an author, public speaker, life coach, focused on relational leadership practices, restorative justice, human resources, trauma, and the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study, Art of Hosting, organizational development, strategic planning, evaluation, and humanness.
Jake Gale is People Serving People’s Chief Operating Officer. He has been with People Serving People since 2014, previously serving as the Resident Resources Manager and Director of Operations. Before joining People Serving People, Jake served for 12 years with the U.S. Department of Defense, managing operations and teams in a variety of locations both at home and abroad. Jake earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts from Georgetown University. Jake is passionate about his family and his work, and has too many hobbies to be particularly good at any of them.
Hoang Murphy is the Chief Executive Officer of People Serving People. Hoang knows from lived experience the impact that housing instability and homelessness have on families. He imagines a world where every family has what they need to thrive. As CEO of People Serving People, Hoang leads a strategic framework that places family voices at the center of the work.
Before joining People Serving People in October 2023, Hoang served as the Executive Director of Foster Advocates, which he founded to address the lack of advocacy organizations working to improve the foster care space in Minnesota. Hoang was the 2023 University of Minnesota Child Welfare Change Maker award recipient, a 2022 Bush Foundation Fellow, the 2021 CCAI Angel in Adoption awardee, and served as the 2016 Public Policy Fellow with the United States Department of Education. Hoang is a proud new American and first-generation college graduate with a BA in Policy Studies from Syracuse University and a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University.
When Hoang isn’t tackling systemic issues with his team, he’s busy finding the best bánh mì, adding to his Lego collection, and walking his dogs Mapo Tofu and Ginger.