Simpson is proud to announce that it has reached the final phase of its $47 million Build-Up Campaign, with $42 million raised to date and $5 million remaining.
The Build-Up Campaign supports a new shelter and housing facility, new program and administration space, and funding for sustainability. It is Simpson’s largest fundraising campaign in its 40 years of service. Demolition was completed in October 2023, with construction set to begin in early 2024.
It’s about more than just a new building. Help us reimagine shelter.
Click here for information on how to make a gift to the Build-Up Campaign.
Our Vision for a New Space: Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments
In 2019, Simpson Housing Services was gifted the Simpson United Methodist Church building and became the official owner of the site, where the shelter operated for four decades. The 141-year-old structure was never built to accommodate shelter guests, however. Simpson will rebuild a new shelter with affordable housing on the church site.
Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments is designed to be a dignified, welcoming space that meets the short-term housing needs of shelter guests through comprehensive on-site services, with hopes that guests achieve increased stability and better housing outcomes as a result.
Plans for the four-story facility include 72 shelter beds; two floors (42 units) of deeply affordable housing; and extensive on-site services, including a 24-hour front desk, a commercial kitchen capable of serving 100 people, and clinic space for Health Care for the Homeless, service staff, and community and cultural partners.
One of Simpson’s core values is: “We celebrate and embrace the uniqueness and dignity of every person.” As a mission-driven organization, Simpson evaluates all opportunities in light of our core mission and values. Our recognition that everyone deserves a safe and dignified space is a primary focus in this project.
Timeline
2023: Shelter operations transition from Simpson United Methodist Church to Zion Lutheran Church. Simpson is awarded $2.5 million in federal funding from the 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The State of Minnesota contributes $5 million to the Build-Up Campaign. The SUMC building is demolished in the fall, making way for construction to begin on in early 2024.
2022: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency contributes $11.1 million, which represents 75 percent of the expense for the housing portion of the development; 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.
2020: Simpson announces its Build-Up Campaign and plans for a new shelter and housing facility.
2019: Simpson becomes the official owner of the Simpson United Methodist Church building.
2018: A feasibility study is conducted, and the 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.