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.