Simpson Housing Services

10/17/2026

Craig, a parent in Simpson’s Family Housing program, turned a paracord hobby (his way of practicing mindfulness), into a recent “My Time” event for other parents and caregivers in Simpson family housing.

“My Time” sessions are designed to build on parents’ and caregivers’ personal parenting experiences and cultural knowledge. While activities take place for adults, children are supervised by Simpson staff so Caregivers have time to rest, connect, and share.

“This is the thing that brings me joy,” Craig shared about sharing his hobby with others.

Besides planning and leading the event, Craig created the budget, the supply list and the flyer, and made sure every participant left with something they made. He's ready to teach another class soon!

10/15/2026

No chef's hat required. Just a willingness to chop, mix or stir.

Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments is looking for Volunteer Prep Cooks to help get warm, nourishing meals ready for our guests.

Never cooked for more than four? Perfect. All skill levels are welcome, and you'll leave with experience:
• Cooking for a crowd
• Meal prepping and menu planning
• Knowing your way around a commercial kitchen

Best of all you get to meet our guests and make new friends.

The commitment: Two shifts a month, Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 pm.
Six hours a month. Countless meals served. 💛

Questions? Email Katelyn at [email protected] or apply here: https://give.simpsonhousing.org/application_cycles/111/apply

10/13/2026

If you missed our September Curiosity Meets Courage training, you're in luck!

We're offering it again on Saturday, October 24 from 10 am – 12 pm at
160 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis

We’ll build a shared vocabulary around race and equity, explore the connection between racism and homelessness, and look honestly at how well-intentioned efforts sometimes fall short. Together, we’ll consider what it looks like to move from short-term, transactional responses toward deeper, more lasting change.
Whether you’ve been doing this work for years or you’re starting to ask questions, you are welcome to join.

Register at https://give.simpsonhousing.org/campaigns/42400/join?volunteer_shift_id=880663

10/10/2026

You just saw what happens in our kitchen. Now picture yourself in it.

At Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments, every meal is a chance to show our guests they're seen, valued, and welcome. Cook & Connect lets you be part of that.

Here's why it's easier than you think:
• A professional chef plans the menu and handles the shopping. You just show up ready to cook (and maybe pick up a few new skills).
• Set shifts. Pick a date that works, commit, and you're done.
• Staff are there every shift to guide you on equipment and food safety.

Bring your people. Groups of 3–4 are ideal (up to 6), and volunteers as young as 10 can join with an adult.
The best part? Less time stressing over logistics, more time connecting with the people you're serving.
Grab a friend, your family, or your coworkers and claim a shift here: https://simpsonhousing.org/cook-connect/

10/07/2026

We're so close!

One more mentor will help us accept half of our mentee waiting list; three more will allow us to accept the entire list!

We're thankful to everyone who has already signed up. If you are ONE, or one of THREE who want to make your time matter and have an impact in a young person's life just by showing up, we'd love to have you.

You can read all about being a mentor and sign up here:

What matters most is your willingness to build a relationship, offer encouragement, and simply be present and showing up for a young person in a way that tells them, “You matter. Your future matters.”

10/06/2026

The team from MOV Hot Yoga was on the move serving up a beef hot dog bar, baked beans, chips and salad last week at Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments.

It's the support of people who make their time matter that helps build stronger communities.

If you're looking for a service opportunity, visit Simpson's Cook & Connect web page here: https://simpsonhousing.org/cook-connect/

10/03/2026

Thanks to the team from Aon for serving meals at our shelter this week. This is their second time serving since May – your team rocks, Aon!

If your team is looking for a way to make their time matter, check out our Cook & Connect program here: https://simpsonhousing.org/cook-connect/

To learn how your business can help build stronger communities, visit our Corporate Partnerships page here: https://simpsonhousing.org/simpson-corporate-partnerships/

10/01/2026

Pull up an apron — our kitchen has room for YOU!

Cook & Connect is one of the most rewarding ways to make your time matter. You'll serve up delicious, chef-planned meals to guests at Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments, and you might even pick up a new kitchen skill or two from our professional chef along the way!

No cooking experience needed. Our chef handles the menu and shopping, and staff are on every shift to guide you. Shifts are set times, so it's easy to plan ahead and bring your people. Grab your coworkers, your book club, your family (ages 10+), or a few friends. Groups of 3–4 are perfect!

Every meal served is a chance to share a smile, a conversation, and a little dignity around the table. 💛

Here's what's open right now:
🍂 October: 12 dinners + 17 lunches
🦃 November: 15 lunches + 11 dinners
✨ Every Friday dinner from now until the new year!

Sign up as an individual or a group at simpsonhousing.org/cook-connect

09/29/2026

Simpson 360: Celebrating Simpson’s New Chapter
Thursday, November 5 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
160 Glenwood Avenue, Minneapolis

Simpson is turning the page — and you’re invited to be part of the story.

Join us for the third annual Simpson 360, a community gathering to celebrate a new chapter for Simpson Housing Services.

Meet Tonya Brownlow, Simpson’s new Executive Director, and learn more about her commitment to ending homelessness, what she is learning in her first months at Simpson.

You’ll get an inside look at the priorities, programs, and progress shaping Simpson’s work — and hear directly from the people leading it.

This is more than an update. It’s a chance to reconnect with the Simpson community, celebrate how far we’ve come, and look ahead to what’s next.

RSVP at https://www.giveffect.com/campaigns/47377-simpson-360-celebrating-simpson-s-new-chapter

09/26/2026

Turns out the Simpson team is pretty competitive ... but we already knew that! 💙🏆🎉

Our annual Staff Appreciation Event brought team members from across Simpson together at Fowling Warehouse Minneapolis for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection.

Teams took on fowling . . . a football-meets-bowling game where players throw a football to knock down their opponents’ bowling pins. There were plenty of laughs and some impressive throws! 🎳🏈

With so many new faces over the past year – including welcoming our new Executive Director, Tonya Brownlow – it was meaningful to have time to connect outside of our day-to-day work and simply enjoy being together.

We are grateful for the compassion, commitment, and care our staff bring to Simpson and our community every day. Thank you to the entire Simpson team for all you do! 💙