Our Vision

Mission Statement

People Helping People is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women and children in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos and immediate environs by addressing emergency and basic needs and furnishing comprehensive integrated family and individual support services.

Our History

People Helping People was founded in 1992 by several local citizens and government officials who saw the need for a local non- profit organization to supply emergency and Short-term social services. Organizers of People Helping People also had a larger vision for the organization. They foresaw the necessity to assist individuals and families extricate themselves from a cycle of poverty that required them to be dependent upon assistance. Therefore, founders included in People Helping People’s mission, the directive to empower individuals and families to become self-sufficient. People Helping People began its service to the Valley in 1992 from donated office space in the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Solvang.

At that time, one full-time employee and a part-time receptionist staffed the organization. Programs were limited to food distribution and advocacy (assisting clients with government red tape, commercial disputes, and accessing other services).

The first year’s budget was $40,000. In 1994, People Helping People served 400 unduplicated clients. That is, clients counted one-time regardless of the number of services accessed.

Since those humble beginnings, People Helping People has purchased a building to house the many programs currently available to the community.

There are twenty-two full and part-time employees in seven locations, 17 direct service programs, and a budget of more than 1.6 million dollars. In 2010-11  3,700 unduplicated clients were served.

Learn More

Recognizing that many in the community identified PHP with the fantastic bargains at its thrift store rather than the many services it delivers to those in need, PHP began to hold “Caring Connections” meetings to inform community members about the ways  PHP changes lives every day.  The strictly informational meetings are held in PHP’s conference room or hosted by PHP Board Members and last exactly one hour.  The feedback from attendees about the quality of the presentation and the value of PHP’s services has been excellent.  The most often heard comment from participants has been, “I had no idea you (PHP) did so much.”  To obtain the schedule for a Caring Connections meeting or schedule one for your group, call 686-0295 or e-mail: jordan@syvphp.org.

PHP with the help of some extremely talented community professionals who donated their time and talents has produced an 11 minute video that provides a compelling overview of the services PHP provides and the impact these services have on the lives of our neighbors.

Future Progress

If you want to learn more about what PHP plans for the future check-out our 2011-14 Strategic Plan: Three Year Strategic Plan