Simpson Executive Director Julie Manworren

Julie Manworren has been the Executive Director of Simpson Housing Services since April 2006.

Julie brings over 20 years of experience in non-profit service to disadvantaged families, most recently as a Vice President at Children’s Home Society and Family Services. In the 1980s, she served as Co-Chairperson of the St. Paul Coalition for Those Experiencing Homelessness, and as Chairperson of the Board for the St. Paul Shelter Board (a group which she helped to establish). She was an active participant in the National Alliance for Children and Families and continues to work closely with the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

Julie holds a Masters degree and Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and is a past recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Service to the Hungry and Those Experiencing Homelessness in Minnesota Award.

“Julie brings to Simpson a proven track record of leadership and fundraising as well as a knowledge of local housing and support services trends. She is a person with the proven ability to make Simpson a major provider of permanent, supportive housing while maintaining our strong reputation for client/staff relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. We are excited to have her on board,” says Mirja Hanson, 2006 Chair, Board of Directors.

Executive Director's Notes Spring 2008

Dear Friends of Simpson Housing,

As buds are bursting from the branches, so too is momentum building in our initiatives to help move more and more families and individuals from homelessness into housing. Every day I see shelter guests I have met coming to Bell House to connect with Simpson program advocates so they can move into their own homes.

New initiatives to help accomplish this include Group Residential Housing for individuals and families with disabilities; Elliot Park Apartments for families in need of intensive support; Rapid Exit services to help expedite the move from shelter to housing; Passage Community apartments providing 17 units of transitional housing for families; and the Women’s Housing Partnership serving women from our shelter. Each of these initiatives seeks to connect people who have experienced homelessness with stable housing with supportive services.

Simpson’s primary purpose is to develop, strengthen, and honor positive relationships. I’ve come to understand that the shelters provide an opportunity for our volunteers to be in relationship with our guests and that this is almost as important a purpose as providing shelter. All parties benefit. I’ve also come to understand that our donors who faithfully give a monthly gift grow from their investment in our work and we have a trust established that is precious. Our donors and volunteers act out of their conviction that homelessness is not an acceptable condition and that conviction gives us courage and strength.

We are growing due to the sturdy roots established over the past 26 years. These roots have been nurtured and tended by many of you who are reading this. We would wither without the support of our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, guests, program participants, contractors, and service partners. The economy is uncertain, foreclosure rates are rising, the housing market is tumultuous, and there are mounting disparities based on race, place, and income. These conditions could slow our momentum if we accept them. We do not.

Thank you for being in relationship with Simpson Housing Services.

Sincerely,
Julie Manworren
Executive Director
612.455.0841