CEO who experienced homelessness as a child opens new Minneapolis family shelter

Local News CEO who experienced homelessness as a child opens new Minneapolis family shelter By Conor Wight Conor Wight Reporter Conor Wight joined WCCO after cultivating his skills as an award-winning investigative reporter in Syracuse, NY. As a newcomer to Minnesota, he's excited to explore this beautiful state and all that the Twin Cities have to offer. Read Full Bio Conor Wight Updated on: October 9, 2026 / 7:41 AM CDT / CBS Minnesota Add CBS News on Google A new family shelter in Minneapolis is already full just over a month after opening, and the head of the organization that runs it says he wishes a place like it had been available when he was a homeless child.Belonging Place is the third shelter run by People Serving People, which is well known for family shelters and partners with Hennepin County. The converted hotel opened in early September and now houses 52 families. The shelter is a few blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium and across the street from Minneapolis City Hall.Much of the building still looks like what it was, from the lounge seating to the old beer taps to the rooms upstairs.Hoang Murphy, CEO of People Serving People, said he experienced homelessness as a child in Minneapolis and wishes a shelter like this had been an option for him."Maybe my mom could have cared for more than just my sister. Maybe we could have then entered shelter together. Maybe we could have stayed a family," Murphy said. "Children cannot make it on the street. They need a place to be."Murphy said that when families experience homelessness, it has "a cascade of harms."People Serving People took over the building from Hennepin County this summer. The former hotel was retrofitted into a shelter within a matter of months. Families can stay as long as necessary, as long as the county approves them. Hennepin County Commissioner Marion Greene joined the organization Thursday to celebrate the opening of its third family shelter. Greene said partnerships like the one with People Serving People are critical, and she pointed to the county's "shelter for all" policy, which requires the county to find shelter space for families who need it."We will find them a place to sleep that night so they do not sleep outside," Greene said.The county's January point-in-time count found 1,342 families with children using shelters. The total number of people in shelters dropped 6% from 2025.The organization says 20% of the people its shelter supports are younger than 6 years old. The shelter opened after Minneapolis and St. Paul both grappled this summer with how to handle homeless encampments. In: Homelessness Minneapolis Featured Local Savings Aurora works with Denver to address homeless camp in city gray area Woman charged in Minneapolis nightclub mass shooting that injured 9 State trooper rescues residents from burning Minneapolis home, fire official says "Young male" shot dead off East Lake Street, Minneapolis police say Serial peeping tom has long criminal history; could face more charges Allegheny County opens satellite election offices ahead of midterm elections How Visit South Jersey is helping farmers recover from late frost Hair For You Foundation hosts 8th annual Family Fun Day in Lincolnshire Saturday