Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments
February 2022: Simpson Housing Services is proud to announce that it has reached 70 percent of its $41 million fundraising goal to build the new Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments with 70 shelter beds, enhanced on-site services and 42 units of affordable housing on the site of its current emergency shelter. In addition, the campaign will support Simpson’s new administrative and program offices near the Minneapolis farmer’s market.
It’s about more than just a new building.
It’s not a quick fix. But, if we build it together, it will be a lasting one.
Our vision for a new space
In 2019, Simpson Housing Services was gifted the Simpson United Methodist Church building and became the official owner of the site where the shelter has operated for four decades. The 125-year-old structure was never built to accommodate shelter guests. The new building will continue the church’s legacy and will be a national best practice, low-barrier shelter model designed to meet the short-term housing needs of shelter guests through enriched services, with hopes that guests achieve increased stability and better housing outcomes as a result.
Plans for the five-story facility include two floors of permanent supportive housing (42 efficiency units), two floors of emergency shelter (70 beds), a commercial kitchen capable of serving 100 people, a 24-hour front desk, and offices/clinic space for Health Care for the Homeless, service staff, and community and cultural partners.
One of Simpson’s core values is: “We celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and dignity of every person.” As a mission-driven organization, Simpson evaluates all opportunities in light of our core mission and values. Our recognition that everyone deserves a safe and dignified space is a primary focus in this project.
Funding Partners
Thanks to the contributions of our partners in the public and private sectors, we’re well on our way to securing funding for the new building. The campaign total is $41 million and includes $10 million in private support.
We’re excited to announce that Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis have both agreed to contribute $3.5 million in federal funds in 2021. You can read more about that contribution in our media release.
In addition, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency contributed an $11.1 million award in January 2022.
Our private partners include an anonymous donor, the J. Randal & Sharon Cochrane Charitable Fund, the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, the Pohlad Family Foundation, and the Luther Automotive Foundation.
Simpson’s developmental partner for this new supportive housing is Project for Pride in Living.
Timeline
1982: Simpson Housing Services begins as an emergency shelter when Simpson United Methodist Church opens its doors to neighbors sleeping on the steps
2017: The congregation sunsets and graciously plans to bequeath the building to Simpson
2018: A feasibility study is conducted and the board of directors approves the plan to build a dignified shelter and continue congregation’s legacy
2019: Simpson becomes the official owner of the building
2020: Simpson announces its Build-Up Campaign and plans for the new building
2021: City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County both contribute $3.5 million in federal funds
January 2022: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency contributes $11.1 million, which represents 75 percent of the expense for the housing portion of the development
Spring 2022: Simpson will open its new administrative and program offices at 160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis
The agency plans to fully fund the new Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments, break ground, and commence construction by the end of 2022, or early 2023.
The emergency shelter will continue to operate at a temporary space during construction to ensure there is no interruption of services to shelter guests.