Hello beautiful humans! Hope all of you are as well as can be. I wish I could tell you a funny April fools' day, but no such luck. I'm out of jokes.

What I do want to share with you and hope you can do something about it is a call to help those in dire need. Our most vulnerable, the homeless community. 

Here is an email from angels who run the Simpson Homeless Shelter. Besides update on their current state of the state, there is a list of items needed the most which you can buy at Target or on Amazon and have it shipped directly to shelter. If you can help even a little please do. If you need help please feel free to reach out and I'll make sure to connect you with someone who can help. 


Greetings Shelter Support Volunteers,
 
We have completed two weeks of operating the shelter for 24 hours and we miss you! I spoke with Robert and Marian and they wanted you all to know that things are going well at the shelter. They were concerned that guests would get antsy, but thankfully folks are remaining calm.
 
The team is working to establish a routine (I’m sure many of you can relate!) and report that they rent a Redbox movie each day and have purchased some items from a dollar store to keep folks entertained. If you would like to help with entertainment, please see the special needs list below.
 
Robert and Marian were also glad to report that Simpson Housing and other housing providers are finding creative ways to move folks into housing while maintaining as much social distancing as possible.
 
Hennepin County Resources
To date, 17 guests who are age 60 and older have moved into individual hotel rooms to allow for social distancing. Hennepin County staff are on site at the hotels to provide support and resources. Hennepin County Healthcare for the Homeless also opened up a triage phone line yesterday to assist shelter providers that encounter folks with symptoms of COVID-19. We haven’t had to access this service so far.
 
Social Media
An easy way to stay up to date on our programming is to follow us on Social Media. We’ll have a special post about the shelter later this week.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
 
Supply Needs

• Disposable shaving razors
• Deodorant
• Personal tissue packets
• Personal hand sanitizer
• All sizes of boxers
• All sizes of white t-shirts
• Women’s underwear 5-7
• Ground coffee
• Tea
• Gently used or new bath towels
• Travel size body wash, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion

 
Extra Special Entertainment Requests

• BINGO prizes – headphones, chargers, speakers, hair products and/or accessories, snacks, good chocolate/candy, makeup, slippers, flip flop sandals, robes, etc.
• New puzzles
• Playing cards
• Magazines
• Books
• Games
• Art/craft supplies
• Coloring books
• Word Search books
• Markers/crayons/colored pencils
• Redbox gift cards

 
Gifts for Staff
I asked staff if there was anything we could do to help lift their spirits and they asked for BINGO supplies for our guests. 🙂 I pressed a little more and learned that they enjoy candy, Cliff bars, individually packaged snacks, and “good” coffee for the new coffee maker they put in their office. If you would like to give an item for staff, they would welcome the positive connection. 
 
How To Donate
We have a few ways to donate during this time:

1. Items may be shipped to my attention at our office – please include a note so I know it’s from you! Simpson Housing Services | Attn: Christina Giese | 2100 Pillsbury Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404. I pop into the office regularly to go through packages and bring things to and from the shelter.
2. You can use Amazon, Target, or another online retailer to deliver to us.
3. I can meet you at our office for a touch-less drop off – I will pick up from your trunk and you can complete our online donation form instead of using paper.
4. Financial gifts are always helpful.

 
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Thank you all for being a critical part of the Simpson community,
 
Christina Giese
Director of Volunteer Engagement
           
612.455.0859
cgiese@simpsonhousing.org
                       
Simpson Housing Services
Bell House Office
2100 Pillsbury Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
www.simpsonhousing.org