With our budget year ending and some exciting changes ahead, we ask you to consider making a financial gift by June 30 to support Simpson’s shelter and housing programs. We’re honored to announce that all donations will be matched by the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, up to $25,000!
At Simpson Housing Services, we are committed to providing safe, dignified shelter to people experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness. Our shelter has been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for three years now. At the onset of the pandemic, when we decided to change from being an overnight shelter to an extended-stay shelter, there was much we didn’t know. We didn’t know how much it would cost to operate. We didn’t know how we were going to provide three meals a day to the shelter guests. We didn’t know how long these changes would last. But there was one thing we did know—it was the right thing to do.
Our community also knew it was the right thing to do. There was an outpouring of care, concern, and contributions. We came together to figure out how all our neighbors could enjoy the safety and dignity of shelter.
Now, we’re entering a new chapter together. After decades of operating at Simpson United Methodist Church, we’ll soon break ground on the new Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments. In preparation, we closed the doors of Simpson United Methodist Church in January and moved shelter operations to Zion Lutheran Church, our interim shelter. Together, we’re looking forward to moving into the Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments, where we will continue to build community and meet the short-term housing needs of shelter guests. We’re looking forward to having space for dignified shelter, 42 deeply affordable apartments, and extensive on-site services, including a healthcare clinic.
Why? Because the need for safe, stable housing persists. People need homes now, even as we work to create a community where homelessness is a thing of the past.
Shelter operations alone are projected to cost $500,000 in the next six months. We hope you will consider donating to Simpson Housing Services before June 30th to DOUBLE your match. Your gift ensures that we can continue housing, supporting, and advocating for people experiencing homelessness.
Thank you for joining us in fighting for a future where everyone knows the comfort and security of stable housing.
Transition to the interim shelter
Our staff and volunteers made sure the transition to the interim shelter was as seamless as possible for shelter guests. The shelter team made all the beds with new linens and blankets and greeted everyone on the night they all arrived. Guests found their name on each bed with their belongings. Each guest visited with a shelter staff member to review the set-up and some new ways of operating. Volunteers provided and served a dinner of sloppy joes, ice cream, and cake.
It was a special evening with so much dignity and respect. And Simpson plans to make the next transition just as welcoming and dignified.