Beyond Shelter
In 1982, the women of Simpson United Methodist Church looked outside and saw their neighbors sleeping on the church steps. They invited them inside for shelter. This act of compassion became the foundation for Simpson Housing Services. From that simple act of kindness grew an organization that now partners with more than 2,000 people each year, providing shelter, support, and services in partnership with individuals and families experiencing and transitioning out of homelessness.
At our core, Simpson has always been an expression of community – walking alongside people impacted by homelessness, shaping our work through authentic relationships, and grounding everything we do in dignity and belonging.
Four decades later, we are entering a new chapter in Simpson’s history with the opening of Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments — a space designed to honor our legacy shelter program while reimagining intentional shelter design to achieve better housing outcomes.
The same values that guided us in 1982 continue to shape our 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. Rather than adding new programs, this plan strengthens what works, deepens quality, and builds long-term sustainability.
Together, we are strengthening operations, investing in people, and positioning Simpson for lasting impact to end homelessness in our community.
Simpson Housing Services has grown. Our programs, our staff, and our impact. But growth alone isn’t enough. This plan lays the foundation for Simpson’s future – to ensure our programs are not only effective, but equitable, anti-racist, inclusive, and sustainable.
We’re not just responding to homelessness – we’re working to end it. That means investing in the people, places, and systems that create lasting change in our community.
Together, these priorities strengthen Simpson’s foundation, deepen our impact, and guide our efforts to end homelessness with dignity and belonging.
Strategic Programs
Developing Programs
Ensure the Ongoing Development of High-Quality, Participant-Driven, and
Sustainable Programs
Simpson is focused on ensuring inclusion, quality, and sustainability in our approach to
effective programming. We are working to improve values-based trainings, evaluation
tools, and processes that center the voices of people with lived experience.
Building up
Optimize Facilities and Related Infrastructure to Support Program Goals
Simpson is advancing multiple projects, including Simpson Community Shelter &
Apartments, opening in late 2025. We will continue to assess needs, raise funds, and invest in staff and infrastructure to ensure long-term program effectiveness. A key decision ahead will be determining the future of the interim shelter site at Zion Lutheran Church.
Advocating
Advocate for Systemic Change to End Homelessnesss
We meet the immediate needs of people impacted by homelessness, but we also seek to address the systemic oppression—especially racism—that causes homelessness. Through advocacy, community education, and anti-racism work, Simpson will work to reduce and eventually end homelessness in our community.
Developing culture
Strengthen Organizational Infrastructures
Simpson has grown significantly in recent years. We are focused on strengthening a
culture of authenticity, equity, and belonging. By investing in staff, and engaging with
board members, we are building the foundation to do this work together for
the long term. At the same time, we are expanding our visibility, marketing, and
fundraising efforts, while strengthening leadership at every level.
To make a donation, explore volunteer opportunities, or learn more, email us at development@simpsonhousing.org or visit simpsonhousing.org.
Download our Strategic Plan here.
Mission
To house, support, and empower people impacted by homelessness.
Values
We believe that everybody has the
right to safe and affordable housing.
Racism is a key cause of homelessness;
therefore, we work to dismantle racism
on individual, organizational, and systemic levels.
We honor the inherent strengths and dignity of each person and promote the power of
self-determination.
We are driven by compassion and accountability as we build authentic relationships to strengthen our
community.