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When I lost my job in Anoka and I ended up in a shelter, Mary Gallini let me know about her program helping the homeless get housing. I also got help with my mental illness. Actually, I got help with everything: food, housewares, sometimes bills. My advocates comes to see me once a week to see how I'm doing and to see if they can help. Now I'm doing great. I'm in nursing school and I'm going to love doing good for others. The difference in the way that I feel is incredible. Thanks to everyone for the help. Ron R.
John M. moved into his apartment about six months ago. To see him at home, cross-legged and comfortable, nestled among the indoor forest of houseplants in his living room, you would swear that he has been there his whole life. When he first spied the South Minneapolis Victorian-turned-apartment building, with the ornate molding, high ceilings and enormous front picture windows, he knew it had to be his new home. With help from Simpson’s newly developed Single Adult Rental Assitance Program (SARAP), John moved in shortly thereafter. There is a sense of peace, calm and wisdom about John. The walls of his home are covered with his colorful, expressive acrylic paintings. One of his striking sun-catcher mobiles dances in the light and other assorted pieces of found art are propped here and there. Everything about John speaks of an artist’s soul. One of his daughter’s framed drawings hangs above a doorway. Background music fills the air and tubes of paint, brushes, and interesting photos can be found just about everywhere. Even his stacks of assorted stuff have a beautiful order about them. John’s day job working with vintage and retro clothing shows an eye for finding beauty in the everyday item. John thinks deeply before he speaks, concentrating with a quiet intensity. He gestures in a grand way, like an orchestra conductor. “This place is my boxcar to the stars. I want to transform my space into a new dimension. I want my home to be a place where visitors can experience and discover something about themselves and about me.” After being on the streets for seven years, John is very much at home in his new space. And after spending just a little time with John you get to know him very well. “Live your life and be who you are. Don’t sell yourself short and you’ll be okay.” |
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Simpson Housing Services |
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Hello. My name is Ron.