news & events

Community Solutions to Address Unsheltered Homelessness

An Update from Executive Director Steve Horsfield

This year, an unprecedented number of community members are experiencing unsheltered homelessness, sleeping outside in encampments and other situations not intended for human habitation. These outdoor living situations grow increasingly unsafe as winter approaches.

Our staff and community leaders are very concerned about the current housing crisis and the safety of people in need of shelter.

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Meet Nat and Her Family: Resilient and Thriving

 Meet Nat, a woman with a positive spirit and unwavering determination, a loved and respected community member, and devoted mother of two boys and two girls. 

One year ago, Nat faced a series of challenging life circumstances. She went through an emotional divorce with her ex-husband. The family experienced financial difficulties resulting in eviction from their home. 

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Virtual Presentation of the new Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments

We look forward to seeing you today, September 15 12:00-1:00 p.m., for an exciting virtual presentation about Simpson’s new Community Shelter & Apartments!

Click here to access the Zoom link. 

Log in starting at 11:50 a.m. Attendees cameras will be turned off during the presentation. Click here to download Zoom. 

Art 4 Shelter Pop-up Sale

Help us raise $5,000 to support our shelter and housing programs.

We are pleased to announce that your art purchase will help us support 20 new women’s shelter beds and accommodate the increased need for shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to go to our Art 4 Shelter virtual store.

100% of Art 4 Shelter proceeds benefit Simpson Housing Services’ shelter and housing programs. Thank you for your participation!

Volunteer Mentoring Positions are Now Open

Attend a virtual Intro Session and learn more about Simpson’s Youth Mentoring Program.  

Volunteers will begin their roles virtually, and we plan to transition mentors to in-person service as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Attend one of the upcoming sessions to learn more: 

Sign up for a virtual session.

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Our Commitment to Advancing Racial Equity

Since the shelter opened its doors in 1982, staff and volunteers have welcomed guests, built meaningful relationships, and offered resources to help community members get stabilized into safe and sustainable housing.

We acknowledge the existence of historical and systemic racism that has significant ramifications on our society, including racial inequities extant in the current state of homelessness. This means that racial equity is intrinsic to our mission to house, support, and advocate for people experiencing homelessness and we are committed to eradicating racism wherever we are able — in the communities we are a part of, the communities we serve, within our own agency, and as individuals.  Click here to read more.

A Virtual Presentation of the new Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments

• September 15, 2020: Noon – 1:00 p.m.
• This event is free and open to the public.
• Click here to RSVP.
• Information to join us via Zoom virtually, will be emailed to you a few days before the event.

Polo celebrates his new home, looks to the future 

Polo, a former guest of Simpson Shelter, is celebrating his recent move into his new home. At 60 years young, he is ready to start the next chapter of his life, and what he most looks forward to is seeing his seven grandchildren who live in Chicago. 

Equipped with an unrelenting positive attitude, 

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In Remembrance of Simpson Volunteer Andy Benjamin 

Andy Benjamin, Simpson’s longest serving volunteer, passed away on June 30, 2020. Andy dedicated his life to service, providing generous support over decades to individuals and families served by Simpson and other local nonprofits. 

Shelter staff member Kris Stevenson, Director of Volunteer Engagement Christina Giese, and Shelter Manager Robert Hofmann describe Andy’s legacy of service and compassion and the impact he had on so many people:  

“Andy started volunteering at the shelter the same year,

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Volunteer Diksha Srishyla supports Simpson’s mission 

Diksha Srishyla, a recent Master of Public Health graduate at the University of Minnesota, wanted to do something to help people experiencing homelessness in the Twin Cities area. She researched local shelters and decided upon Simpson Housing Services.  

Gathering for her birthday in January, Diksha and her friends,

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