Senators hear plea for $250,000 to expand People Serving People’s pre‑employment program for families experiencing homelessness

Senator Champion presented Senate File 3937, a request for one‑time funding of $250,000 to support People Serving People’s pre‑employment program for families experiencing homelessness.

Huang Murphy, president and CEO of People Serving People, described the agency’s wraparound model and said the organization has operated since 1983. "We help families stay families," Murphy said, recounting how on‑site services — from health clinics to childcare to financial literacy — help parents secure and retain employment, which in turn supports housing stability. Murphy said the request is a one‑time $250,000 appropriation to expand pre‑employment capacity.

Committee members asked detailed financial questions after noticing substantial year‑to‑year changes in reported revenue. Murphy explained the organization consolidated two nonprofit entities and completed asset transfers that resulted in a one‑time increase in reported revenue; he also cited an earlier transfer of Haven Housing assets as a contributor and offered to provide consolidated financial statements and audits for committee review.

Testimony from a former resident, read by Linda Barrera from a letter by Brianna Banks, recounted how pre‑employment services (resume help, CNA training support, matched savings) led to stable employment and housing. "Because of their support, I was able to complete CNA training, build a career in health care, and create stability for my family," the written testimony said.

The committee laid the bill over for possible inclusion and asked the organization to submit consolidated financial paperwork and audits to clarify year‑to‑year revenue changes before a funding decision.

Next steps: People Serving People will provide requested financial documentation to the committee; the bill remains laid over for possible inclusion.