Simpson Housing Services

We’re excited to highlight the work of Meenal Patel (www.meenalpatelstudio.com), an illustrator, children’s book author, and designer whose art celebrates connection, everyday joys, and the strength of community. Her background in graphic design instilled an attention to detail, an affinity for unexpected color combinations, and a love of the storytelling power of patterns. Meenal draws inspiration from both the creativity of children, who she calls “the best artists for their openness and willingness to play,” and patterns, specifically the textures of nature and South Asian textiles. When she creates, she often reflects on what it felt like to be a kid, tapping into that joyful sense of exploration. And her use of pattern isn’t just aesthetic, it’s narrative, offering visual cues about emotion, tone, setting, culture, and a deeper layer of meaning. Thank you, Meenal, for donating your art to Art 4 Shelter and helping create change through creativity. Photo 2 photography by Sarah Deragon . . #ArtWithPurpose #Illustration #Art4Shelter #ArtForACause #DonateArt #MinnesotaArt #MNArtists #BuyArtGiveShelter #SupportLocalArtists #HomelessServices #HousingForAll #15YearsOfArt4Shelter #OriginalArt

A big thank you to Girl Scout Troop 18517 for donating boxes of delicious cookies to the shelter—something they've been doing every year since their days as Daisies! We’re grateful for your continued kindness and for sharing a sweet treat with our shelter guests. . . #donate #volunteermn #volunteermpls #MN #minneapolis #mpls #localnonprofit #twincities #twincitiesnonprofit #nonprofit #nonprofits #simpsonhousingservices #girlscoutcookies

We are back for round 2! Join us for a one final art making party 56 Brewing on Tuesday, April 15th! Show up anytime between 6 and 9pm and create art to donate to A4S or drop off your donations here before the April 17th deadline! Paper and art donation forms will be provided, but please bring your own art supplies and bring some friends! . . #Art4Shelter #56brewing #ArtForACause #MakeArt #SupportLocalArtists #15YearsOfArt4Shelter

Join the 15th anniversary of Art 4 Shelter as a volunteer! Click the link below to learn more and sign up. We have a variety of shifts available—from setting up the space to selling art to assisting with the auction. Every role plays a vital part in the success of Art 4 Shelter! https://lnkd.in/gzahNEmH For questions, contact Katelyn at [email protected]. . . #Art4Shelter #ArtForACause #15YearsOfArt4Shelter #featuredartist #mnartist #endhomelessness

We’re 10 months into construction at Simpson Community Shelter & Apartments, and the site is looking better every day! This month, crews completed waterproofing and backfilling around the foundation, creating more space to work and maneuver equipment and supplies. Framing on the third floor is nearly done, and work has begun on the fourth floor! Water service was connected to the building—which may sound simple, but it was very critical for continued construction and has been a challenge with the city’s work along 1st Avenue. What's coming next? Window installation, continued framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, and prepping the roof for April. Stay tuned for more updates soon! #SimpsonShelterSundays Photos: 1. Foundation Waterproofing 2. Framing begins on the first floor 3. How the backfilling along the foundation grants more work space 4. Metal framing in the basement 5. View of Minneapolis from the 4th floor 6. Snow conditions on site 7. View from apartments 402 and 404 More Build-Up Campaign photos and details: simpsonhousing.org/buildup . . #buildupcampaign #simpsonshelter #simpsonhousingservices #shelterupdate #localnonprofit #twincities #twincitiesnonprofit #nonprofit #nonprofits

We're in urgent need of these supplies at the shelter! Your donations have a huge impact and help Simpson provide shelter guests with dignity, stability, and comfort. Visit our volunteer page for a full list of needed items and other ways to get involved. Thank you for your support! . . #endhomelessness #volunteermn #donate #volunteermpls #MN #minneapolis #simpsonhousingservices #simpsonshelter

Simpson Shelter needs volunteer groups to serve meals in April! This is a fantastic opportunity for groups of 3 or more to experience the impact of our work firsthand. Learn more and sign up at https://lnkd.in/gguJZjAi or contact Aaron Ramos, Volunteer Engagement Manager, at [email protected]. . . #endhomelessness #volunteermn #volunteermpls #MN #minneapolis #simpsonhousingservices

Volunteer Opportunity: Supplies needed at the shelter. By donating these essential items, you help Simpson empower shelter guests to live dignified lives. Visit our volunteer page for a complete list of needed items and to learn more. Thank you! . . #endhomelessness #volunteermn #donate #volunteermpls #MN #minneapolis #simpsonhousingservices #simpsonshelter

Volunteers attended the second annual volunteer recognition event hosted at Fulton Brewing Company on February 19th. Meal coordinators, tutors, prep cooks, and many more volunteers came together to celebrate the Simpson Volunteer Community and acknowledge the time they dedicate to Simpson. The wonderful shelter staff MC'd the event and led a creative and fun round of trivia for the volunteers to enjoy. From meal prep and shelter support to tutoring and mentoring, we have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at Simpson. Visit our volunteer page to get involved! . . #endhomelessness #volunteermn #volunteermpls #MN #minneapolis #mpls #localnonprofit #twincitiesnonprofit #nonprofit #simpsonhousingservices

Simpson's Shelter runs entirely on volunteer donations! As the rainy season approaches, we’re looking for new, unused umbrellas and ponchos to help shelter guests stay dry and warm. Many of the individuals we work with have curly, textured hair and need hair-care and self-care items that aren’t typically included in toiletry donations. Affordable, widely available brands like Cantu and EDEN BodyWorks are great options—it's all about helping people feel their best, boosting self-esteem, and serving our Simpson community! We prefer travel-sized items but understand they’re not always available, so full-size donations are welcome too. Visit the Give Supplies section of our website (link in comments) for a full list of needed items. Thank you for your support! . . #endhomelessness #donatesupplies #volunteermn #volunteermpls #simpsonhousingservices #donationitems