As a nurse practitioner at the Community University Health Care Center (CUHCC), she will also be working with Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) assisting shelter guests who are recovering from COVID-19 in the safety of isolation hotels. As a dedicated advocate for community members experiencing homelessness, she actively participates in the critical work of helping people transition out of homelessness.
Throughout the pandemic Rebecca has found creative and socially distanced ways to share positivity and invite connection, including her special “I Can’t Wait to Hug You” yard sign that has blossomed into a successful fundraising project supporting Simpson Housing Services.
Rebecca shares more about her project:
“In April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I painted a large plywood sign that said ‘I Can’t Wait To Hug You.’ I am a hugger, and not hugging was hard for me. I put the sign in my front yard and watched as sanitation workers, dog walkers and neighbors stopped, smiled, and took photos. Here we are, nine months later, heading into our third COVID-19 surge, and along with all of the tragedies this pandemic has created, we also still can’t hug. For some Minnesotans, this may be a big relief, but for others, I know this is not natural.
A few friends encouraged me to combine my yard sign with my advocacy work for people who experience unsheltered homelessness. I decided to make and sell cards and yard signs to raise money for local organizations that are working to find long-term housing solutions.”
We are pleased that Rebecca has selected Simpson as the recipient of the proceeds of her fundraising efforts.
Rebecca, thank you for your generosity and advocacy. We are truly grateful for your partnership.