Simpson volunteer Gerry, a retired teacher and salesman, has been serving meals to guests at Simpson’s shelter with several faith communities for 20 years. With a chuckle, Gerry illustrates how long he has been at Simpson: “When I started volunteering with Simpson, the sinks in the kitchen were the only way to wash the dishes.
Simpson literacy mentor Mallory, employed full-time and serving on the boards of several nonprofits, has been matched with eight-year-old Faye for the past six months. Mallory first learned of the Simpson literacy program through a Simpson staff member. “I was a little nervous at first because I hadn’t spent that much time with kids.
Modo Yoga Minneapolis, owned and operated by Phil Doucette and Ryann Doucette, has been sharing the mission of yoga with its health-minded clientele for eight years. Central to Modo Yoga are its six pillars – Be Peace, Be Healthy, Live Green, Live to Learn, Be Accessible, and Community Support — all of which guide the business’ decisions and build a tangible experience of community within and beyond the studio.
Spring is finally in the air, and Art 4 Shelter is just around the corner! This spectacular event would not be possible without you, the talented artists who contribute every year. THANK YOU!
Since Art 4 Shelter started eight years ago, we have raised $610,000 which is equal to over 17,000 nights of shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness.
We are pleased to share with your our 2017/2018 annual report. With the support of the community, donors and volunteers, we:
Thank you for being a part of our efforts to help end homelessness in our community. You can read our full annual report and financial summary, here.
The inaugural Mamas’ Day of Healing, an all-day retreat for parents in Simpson’s family supportive housing program took place on February 28, 2019. Fourteen moms, one father, and twenty children ages three months to eight years, gathered at the Wilder Foundation for relaxation, education, and fun. It was a day for parents to focus on themselves.
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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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.
Art 4 Shelter is a fun, high profile, and inspiring benefit art sale brings together hundreds of artists and collectors for a special evening of music, wine, conversation, and art buying!
New or increased gifts (10% or more) will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $45,000.
We’re excited to have special partners again this year in our work to end homelessness. Thank you to our fundraising challenge partners: The Frey Foundation and Rodney D. Bacon
