The challenge of making sure every man, woman and child has a safe, affordable home can seem overwhelming. We wonder, "What can I possibly do for the 2,800 people who are homeless in the Twin Cities on any given night?"

Consider running for them in your next race through the Simpson Housing Run (SHR), a campaign with the goal of enlisting 250 runners in raising at least $25,000 for safe, affordable housing by June 30, 2010. Of every dollar you raise through the race of your choice, 89 cents will go directly to providing meals, overnight shelter, temporary housing and family services.

Here's what's involved:

1) Set up your own fundraising page here, on the giveMN.org Web site. Connect it to this Simpson Housing Run project page.
2) Determine a fundraising goal and then ask for sponsors. Simply direct them to your fundraising page where they can safely contribute and you can track your fundraising progress.
3) Keep track of the overall campaign on our SHR Web site at www.simpsonhousingrun.org (Follow us!) and become a fan of the campaign on Facebook.

Need some help? You can learn a lot on the SHR Web site or contact Scott Moore at awedjob@bevvy.org or Renee McGivern at sparkplugconsulting@gmail.com. We'll provide you SHR materials, ideas and even training so you can be successful. And we'd love to come to your running club to talk more about Simpson Housing Run.

Simpson Housing Services is a 27-year-old nonprofit that provides housing, support and advocacy to end homelessness based in Minneapolis. We know that with close, individual advocacy and support, men, women and families experiencing homelessness achieve housing stability.

We are the proud recipient of the 2009 Minnesota Nonprofit Award of Excellence for organizations with budgets over $1 million.