2026: Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments opens to guest on Jan. 12, 2026.
2025: Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments is set to open near the end of the year.
2024: Construction begins on the Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments (media release).
2023: Shelter operations transition from Simpson United Methodist Church to Zion Lutheran Church. Simpson Housing Services is awarded $2.5 million in federal, congressionally directed funding toward the new Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments (media release). The Simpson United Methodist Church building is demolished (media release).
2022: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency contributes $11.1 million, which represents 75 percent of the expense for the housing portion of the development (media release). Simpson moves its administrative and program offices to 160 Glenwood Avenue.
2021: The City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County both contribute $3.5 million in federal funds to the Build-Up Campaign (media release).
2020: Simpson announces its Build-Up Campaign and plans for a new shelter and housing facility (news post).
2019: Simpson becomes the official owner of the Simpson United Methodist Church building.
2018: A feasibility study is conducted, and the Simpson board of directors approves the plan to build a dignified shelter and continue the congregation’s legacy.
2017: The congregation sunsets and graciously plans to bequeath the building to Simpson.
1982: Simpson Housing Services begins as an emergency shelter when Simpson United Methodist Church opens its doors to neighbors sleeping on the steps.