These are the issues Katie Klemme ’09 is exposed to every day as a master of social work student at Augsburg. Klemme’s internship has partnered her with Simpson Housing Services, in Minneapolis, a program that has provided shelter, affordable housing, and support services to men, women, and children for more than 25 years.

Klemme came to Simpson with a strong interest in public policy and developing public awareness to support a political position. She wanted specifically to find out how to move volunteers from hands-on work to advocacy. “We need to recognize that our voices are really powerful and we can make a difference.” Klemme’s work led her to the State Capitol where she observed committee hearings and learned about bills that could affect Simpson and its clients.

With a committee from Simpson, Klemme organized a “Signing for the Streets” advocacy event, recruiting and training 85 volunteers to raise awareness about local homelessness. Volunteers were stationed at 25 freeway exits with signs bearing messages like “Half of state’s homeless are children…Call your State legislator.” The group also distributed postcards with talking points to help citizens have conversations with policy makers.

“We need to create an attitude change and raise awareness about homelessness,” says Klemme. “We are losing jobs and the average Joe is losing his home. It’s an issue we need to attack holistically, as a community.”

Over the course of a year Simpson will help 187 families, 253 single adults in housing, 2,106 men in shelters, and 283 women in shelters. Last year there was a 27 percent increase in the number of families served—that figure is expected to double this year.

Go to www.simpsonhousing.org for more information about homelessness and how you can help.

Article by Jennifer Hipple

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But even this has changed for 2009.

“In the past, it was more of a chance to get to know Minneapolis,” Sager said. “This is the first year we have a theme.”

The theme this year is “Homelessness and Hunger,” and from March 16-18, participants can take part in one or all of the free events, including volunteer work, a dinner out and trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota, or even a tour of Simpson House. Alternative Spring Break is sponsored by the Center for Service, Work, and Learning, Campus Ministry, and LINK.

Sager is looking forward to Monday’s event, which gives students an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a homeless person.

“We all have our perceived notions of who a homeless person is,” she said. “So I think that this could break some of the stereotypes and learn who the people are on the side of the road saying, ‘Please give me money.'”

However, without more students getting involved, the Monday event will be cancelled. Sager said in order to do the day in the life of a homeless person, at least ten people would have to sign up. Right now, there are only five.

Registration is still open and is as easy as sending an email to sager@augsburg.edu. Sager said the deadline to sign up for the homeless experience is Sunday, but the group would accept registration for any of the other events through Monday.

“This is a great opportunity for people to come out and help someone, do something for free, and have a few free meals in the process,” Sager said.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday

Peace House 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (meet upstairs in Christensen)

Tutoring at Trinity 3:30-5:30 p.m. (go to Trinity)

Dinner and Science Museum 5 p.m. (meet in the Christensen)

Wednesday

Tutoring at Trinity 3:30-5:30 p.m. (go to Trinity)

Thursday

Peace House 11-1:30 p.m. (meet upstairs in Chirstensen)

Senior Delivering 3-5:30 p.m. (meet upstairs in Christensen)

Homeless video 3:30-4:30 p.m. (meet in SCI 123)

Tutoring at Trinity 3:30-5:30 p.m. (go to Trinity)

Article by Mark Heise

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The Augsburg Native American Film Series grew out of a love for film and a desire to increase the number of venues for Native American filmmakers in Minneapolis. The energy that drives the series is based on a commitment to affecting the world through artistic collaboration and a belief in the power of film to inform, affect, and stimulate vastly different groups of people.

133 Skyway (2006, 22 min.) is a visceral reflection of urban homelessness, survival and friendship. Derek Miller plays Hartley, a homeless man trying to get his guitar out of hock. As his health fails, Hartley relies on a troubled friend and the kindness of a lonely pawnshop employee. The film won Best Narrative Short at the 2008 Fargo International Film Festival.

The Doe Boy (2001, 83 minutes) tells the story of Hunter, a half Cherokee cursed with the unfortunate affliction of hemophilia, a white man’s disease. Guarded by his overprotective mother, all he really wants is to be able to hunt like his father. On his first and only hunting trip, he mistakenly kills a doe, a major taboo that earns him the nickname “Doe Boy,” and the disappointment of his father. As he moves forward in life, his grandfather teaches him the importance between hunting and killing and gives him the courage to find the love he desperately seeks.

Augsburg College Science Hall, Room 123

November 12, 2008

Screening at 6 p.m.

Limited parking available in

For more information go to or

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