news & events

The Navigation Center: Collaboration. Safe Housing. New Beginnings.

The Navigation Center, a Native-led, collaborative community response, opened in December 2018. Designed as a low-barrier and service-rich temporary shelter for adults, the Navigation Center provides a safe and dignified transitional housing option for more than 120 community members who previously lived outdoors at the encampment, respectfully known as the Wall of Forgotten Natives. Early in the planning process, Simpson Housing Services was selected by the collaborative planning team to provide shelter operational support for the Navigation Center.
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Simpson Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Luanne

Luanne started volunteering at Simpson’s shelter four months ago when she saw a post on Simpson’s Facebook page requesting meal serving volunteers. She enjoyed her first volunteering experience and made the commitment to helping as a shelter support volunteer on a regular basis. One evening per month, Lu helps with daily activities that keep the shelter running smoothly for guests.

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Give the gift of home this season and your gift will be matched!

Homeless Memorial Service Reading: “We Carry Their Names”

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At the 34th Annual Minnesota Homeless Memorial March and Service, the community gathered to remember 100 homeless friends, 89 formerly homeless folks, and 16 advocates who passed away in 2018. The service include the inaugural reading of “We Carry Their Names” by committee member, Carina Aleckson.

Mail Carrier/Musician Delivers Goodwill to Simpson

Tanner Peck has worked for the U.S. Postal Service for the last four years. In his utility role, he delivers mail on five different routes in Minneapolis. “I’m a regular, but my five routes vary. I deliver on a route by 1st Avenue near Simpson shelter and by a lower income area near I-35.

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Nicolle’s Story: A U.S. Veteran’s Journey of Survival, Independence, and Hope

Nicolle and her daughter, Amaya, relocated to Minnesota from South Carolina to be closer to extended family and further her education at a well-known culinary school. 

When their housing with an extended family member fell through, Nicolle and her daughter experienced homelessness for four months, living in a hotel and out of their car during the summer and fall months.

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Buffy’s Story

We slept at a bus stop that night.

I remember the culmination of events that led to the lowest point of my life. I had my five young children with me, and we had nowhere to go. We were on the street after two years of staying with my family and living in and out of motel rooms with my youngest son’s dad.

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Simpson Housing Services Receives $2.5 Million Bezos Day 1 Families Fund Grant

Simpson Housing Services has been selected to receive a $2.5 million grant award from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to expand our Family Housing Program, including Children and Youth Services programs, over the next four years. Simpson was one of 24 nonprofits across the country and the only one in Minnesota to be awarded this grant. Simpson is honored to receive this generous gift and extraordinary opportunity to serve more families experiencing homelessness.   Click here to read the press release.

2018 Homeless Memorial March and Service

Please join us for the Homeless Memorial March and Service on Thursday, December 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Click here for event details. 

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According to the Wilder Foundation, an estimated 15,000 people are homeless on any given night in Minnesota. These community members face poverty,

Sarah and Victor: A Family’s Story of Finding Home and Moving Forward

Sarah and Victor and their two children, young Victor and Aliyah have been with Simpson since January 2018.  Prior to Simpson, the family lived in a shelter for one year and had been without stable housing since 2016. After connecting with their Simpson Advocate, Jessica, the family secured permanent housing within one month.  

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