In the late 1980's an apartment building in downtown Minneapolis was converted to subsidized housing for low-income families, causing concern among neighborhood residents that property values would decrease, crime would increase, and their neighborhood would become less attractive. Members of several local faith organizations met to respond to this development, agreeing to approach the conversion with "neighborliness" rather than disappointment. They recognized that these families had talents and assets that, with some support and advocacy, could be developed so the families could become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community.

This group of volunteers organized and approached residents of the building to see how they could help their new neighbors acclimate. The partnership with the building's residents was successful, and the volunteers discovered that this service model of neighborliness could be replicated in other communities.

These volunteers officially incorporated Person to Person in 1989 and for more than 15 years the organization has been supporting families and individuals throughout the Twin Cities.