I met Natasha outside a gas station.
I just happened to stop for a morning paper and there she was, her baby in arms, two bags at her feet. She looked fearful. When I asked if she was alright, she told me she was leaving an abusive relationship and was waiting for a ride. I waited with her.
Natasha was working with Simpson, trying to find an apartment for her and her baby, trying to start a new life. A few weeks later I learned Natasha was moving into a new apartment. She was excited but wouldn’t have anything other than her two bags to move into the apartment.
I didn’t know if I could do much, but I contacted a few members of my faith community and together we gathered some furniture and cleaning supplies for her. We realized Natasha couldn’t be the only person in this situation – ready for a fresh start in a new apartment without anything to make a home.
This chance meeting happened 9 years ago and in the time since, I’ve helped gather furniture for families, served meals at the shelter, and served on the Simpson Board of Directors.
I’ve seen Simpson grow and adapt to meet the needs of our community. In 2010, we helped 179 families experiencing homelessness; in 2015 we were able to increase capacity and helped 254 families – a 42% increase in the number of families getting the help they need because of donors like you.
Thank you for your past support. With your help, we can end homelessness one person at a time.
Click here to make a gift to Simpson Housing Services today. New gifts will be matched by the Frey Foundation up to $25,000. If you are a current donor and increase your gift by 10% it will be matched.
Simpson has been able to house, support, and advocate for more people thanks to you. What’s more, I’ve seen firsthand the care and compassion the staff at Simpson show each family, each individual facing homelessness. Like you, they care.
Like you, I am committed to ending homelessness in our community. Will you join me in making a gift to Simpson by December 31, 2016?
We all support Simpson for different reasons. I support Simpson because of Natasha.
With gratitude,
Tom McGuire, Board Member (2010-2016)
P.S. Give by December 31st and help people like Natasha start a new life in 2017.