Springfield, MO – The Kitchen, Inc.’s Home at Last program is still housing Veterans! In the months of March and April, Home at Last has housed 26 people, 35% under the age of 18. As a community, we understand and appreciate the importance of helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19, while providing a home. “During this COVID-19 crisis, Home at Last has been working hard to help Veterans who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless” said case manager Patrick Haenni. “Our goal is to help Veterans in an at-risk situation to maintain stable housing. We assist Veterans off the street and place them in a temporary motel. From there, the Veterans are placed into a more permanent residence.”  Required eligibility is determined by an assessment with The Kitchen, Inc’s Home at Last team. If a client has received assistance within the last two years, they may still be able to receive services due to COVID-19. The Veteran must have an income below 50% of the average median income to qualify (AMI). The Kitchen, Inc. brings stability and purpose to people who are homeless by displaying respect, dignity, quality, service, and compassion. Keep up with The Kitchen, Inc. by following us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. ###

April 23, 2020 Contact: Stefanie Nentrup Community Development Coordinator Snentrup@thekitcheninc.org 417-209-6191 (Cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO- We are continuing to provide services and resources during the COVID-19 “shelter in place” order. In the first 20 days of April, The Kitchen, Inc. has housed 28 individuals experiencing homelessness, making that a total of 379 individuals for the year! Need never stops, neither do we! We are still providing case management services along with food and hygiene deliveries. We are doing our part to provide a safe environment by maintaining enhanced cleaning protocols, which includes disinfecting surfaces in all common area’s multiple times daily, limiting access to shared facilities. Additionally, we strive to keep our residents and staff informed using flyers, and signage to encourage social distancing protocols. “This crisis is proving how effective we can be as a community when we work together in meeting the needs of those most vulnerable. Now, more than ever, The Kitchen, Inc. must continue our mission of housing people who are homeless”, said Meleah Spencer, CEO. “We are asking the community to drop off donations, whether it is canned goods, household items, or cleaning items. Monetary donations can be mailed to 1630 N Jefferson or completed online at thekitcheninc.org/donate”. You can drop off your donated items at 420 E Blaine, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM or at our Rare Breed Youth Outreach Center, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. The Kitchen, Inc. brings stability and purpose to people who are homeless by displaying respect, dignity, quality, service, and compassion. To learn more, visit www.thekitcheninc.org. ###

March 25, 2020 Contact: Stefanie Nentrup Community Development Coordinator Snentrup@thekitcheninc.org 417-209-6191 (Cell) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, MO – With the recent order to “shelter in place”, The Kitchen, Inc. continues to follow the directions put forth by the local health officials, the CDC and WHO.  We recognize the impact and uncertainty this creates for all in our community. “Can you imagine how scary it is to hear “shelter in place” if you don’t have a home? Where do you go? The Kitchen will continue to provide housing and support services for clients currently in our housing programs and those referred to us by our partnering agencies. Housing is healthcare!” said Meleah Spencer, CEO. The Kitchen, Inc. staff will continue providing resources, support services and health checks for our clients via the phone.  Staff is routinely cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces within our buildings. Physical distancing guidelines are in place and all our clients have the appropriate cleaning products to clean and sanitize their homes as well as food and hygiene items. “Even with all the uncertainty felt, our generous volunteers continue to donate 40 brown bag dinners daily for our Rare Breed youth. We will continue to monitor and adjust strategies to keep everyone safe and healthy moving forward” Spencer stated. We have received questions on how the community can help our clients. Our current needs are antibacterial hand gel, disinfecting wipes, daily multi vitamin, socks and your financial support. Thank you to our donors and volunteers for your commitment in fulfilling our mission of bringing stability and purpose to people who are homeless. If you are planning to get marry, you have to look for good professionals in wedding makeup to look fascinating.  Keep up with The Kitchen, Inc. by following us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn…

This isn’t the first time The Kitchen, Inc. had a catalytic converter stolen. In September of 2019, a converter was stolen from The Kitchen’s company truck. Deliveries and donation pickups came to a temporary halt. Just this past weekend, another catalytic converter was stolen from the company van. This van is used for moving new clients into their home, as well as maintenance around the properties. As a result, The Kitchen, Inc. is now struggling to move clients into their new homes in a timely manner. The Kitchen, Inc. brings stability and purpose to people who are homeless by displaying respect, dignity, quality, service, and compassion. To learn more, visit www.thekitcheninc.org. ###

Springfield, MO— The Kitchen, Inc. announces the 2020 officers of the Board of Trustees Executive Committee. Rex Hansen, President of the Board, is a retired President/General Manager from Summit Media (KTTS, KSGF, KSPW, KRVI), in Springfield Missouri. Jason Clough, Vice President, is currently an attorney at Clough Law Firm. Sister Katie Hoegeman, Board Treasurer, is currently an assistant professor of sociology and anthropology, at Missouri State University. Kathy Pulley, Board Secretary, is currently a professor of religious studies, at Missouri State University. Michele Kauffman, serving as Past President, is currently the office manager at Harter House. The Kitchen, Inc. welcomes the new 2020 Executive Officers. The human body starts to feel the effects of the aging process over time, which is why staying active is more crucial than ever for senior citizens, so having a recumbent bike makes possible that you can keep exercising from the comfort of home. The Kitchen, Inc. brings stability and purpose to people who are homeless by displaying respect, dignity, quality, service, and compassion. To learn more, visit www.thekitcheninc.org.