Simpson Housing’s genesis started in 1982 because church members of Simpson United Methodist Church noticed people sleeping on the steps of the church. They opened their doors to the unhoused and never looked back. Now a new space and programming are a long way from where they came from.
Simpson Housing Services moved into their new building in South Minneapolis’ Whittier Neighborhood earlier this year. This new space has given Simpson the ability to better walk alongside people experiencing homelessness, giving them the freedom to follow their own goals and plans.
The building has 72 shelter beds, 42 apartments, and services including improved dining options and a medical clinic.
“I heard from one of our shelter guests that this space gave them the best night of sleep they’ve ever gotten,” said Elisabeth Loeffler, Director of Advancement and Communications. Shelter guests enjoy a more personal environment, with beds having their own locker, shelving, and electricity. Beautiful art decorates the walls to inspire and brighten everyone’s day.
The new building also has upgraded dining facilities, which feature the loving culinary handiwork of Chef Bev, Chef Rose, and Chef Terri. “One of our guests asked one of our chefs why they didn’t open a restaurant because the food was so good.” said Loeffler. “Our chef said, ‘This is my restaurant!’”
A Four-County Reach
Simpson Housing Services’ reach extends far beyond Minneapolis. “Our shelter is actually our smallest program,” noted Loeffler. Simpson’s supportive housing program extends across Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and Carver Counties, and provides over 2000 people with housing as well as educational support, mentoring, and tutoring.
"What we have historically seen is that people who are experiencing homelessness have access to care in the core cities," said Horsfield. "Better care for people experiencing homelessness means not making people come to us, but to serve them in the communities where they live."
The State of Homelessness
Shocks to the system—the murder of George Floyd, the Covid pandemic and resultant recession, and ICE’s activities in the Twin Cities, have had a hard impact on the state of homelessness in the Twin Cities. “The net result of our work over the past ten years or so has been largely treading water,” says Steve Horsfield, Executive Director at Simpson. “We are doing better with some communities, such as the homeless veteran population, but there are still too many individuals and families losing housing.”
“The problem is very real. Rent is too high, and we have too many families living in poverty without access to subsidized housing operations. That is why Simpson’s model has moved to being committed to doing better in our spaces—we want more dignity and more care around housing placements. Over time the goal would be to see the need for fewer shelter locations, and higher quality work being done at the ones that exist.”
Jacobson echoed those sentiments. “I would love for us to be put out of business! In my role, I want to push the envelope and not go with every trend. We have been a leader and a trailblazer with our new model, by keeping our guests front and center.”
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help churches like xxxxxxxx help those that are less fortunate.
excerpt from a story by Reid Baumann,
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
Ways to Help:
Cook and Connect: Help serve meals and meet shelter guests at Simpson
