Blog - The Kitchen

09 Dec 2025

Bezos Day 1 Family Fund

We’re honored to share that The Kitchen, Inc. has received a $2.5 million grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to deepen our work to support families experiencing homelessness. We’re one of the 32 organizations across the country identified this year by an independent advisory group of homelessness experts for our efforts to help families in southwest Missouri find stability and achieve well-being. We plan to use this powerful, uniquely flexible grant to build on our work to serve even more families experiencing homelessness in Springfield/Greene, Christian, and Webster Counties, with the goal of ensuring no child in our community sleeps outside. Specifically, The Kitchen, Inc. plans to use this one-time grant over…

10 Nov 2025

Jack’s Journey Home

Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army the day after his 18th birthday in 1969, determined to serve his country during the Vietnam War. After serving honorably for three years, he was discharged in 1972 and returned to civilian life. Over the years, he struggled with alcoholism, but with perseverance and determination, he eventually achieved sobriety and has proudly remained sober for 15 years. Stability, however, was still difficult to maintain. Jack rented a two-bedroom home with a roommate, but when his roommate left without notice, he was left with an overwhelming utility bill. His landlord relocated him to a smaller…

28 Aug 2025

Donate Items On Our Needs List

You can help turn a house into a home for someone in need. Donate items from our needs list to give people experiencing homelessness a fresh start! Drop off donations at 730 N. Glenstone Ave, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Or call us to schedule a furniture pickup: (417) 225-7420. Items for Rare Breed Youth Services can be dropped off at 301 N Main Ave, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Fall and Winter Needs Chapstick Hot Hands First aid kits Sleeping bags Socks, underwear Poncho/Umbrella Hats and gloves Lotion Zip-up hoodies Hygiene Bodywash, shampoo, conditioner Brushes, hairspray Deodorant Hairspray Razors, shaving cream Tampons, pads Toothbrushes Household…

05 May 2025

A Story of Resillience and Hope: Robert’s Story

At just 10 years old, Robert found himself on the streets, facing challenges no child should have to endure. His early years were filled with hardship running away from state care and surviving on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. By 15, he was caught in a cycle of addiction and crime, a pattern that continued until he turned 17. That's when Robert came to Springfield, where his journey toward recovery began at Rare Breed Youth Services. Initially, Robert struggled with his addiction, a battle that seemed insurmountable. But with the support of the Rare Breed team, he began to…

29 Apr 2025

A Mother’s Strength: Lisa’s Journey to Stability

When Lisa’s mother passed away unexpectedly, her world turned upside down. Not only was she grieving the loss of her biggest support system, but she also lost the home they had shared. With nowhere to go, Lisa and her three children, 16-year-old Ava, 18-year-old Jordan, and 8-year-old Noah, found themselves without a stable place to live. To make matters even more challenging, both Ava and Jordan were young mothers themselves, navigating the overwhelming journey of parenthood for the first time. The family was separated, staying with friends when possible. Lisa’s heart broke knowing that what was supposed to be a…

19 Nov 2024

Limited Amount of Tax Credits Still Available

We are excited to share that The Kitchen has a limited amount of Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) and Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credits still available to donors. These 50% tax credits are available to donors with business income. Types of income eligible for tax credits include farm income, rent income, LLC or partnership income, sole proprietorship income or S-Corp income. Donations from corporations are also eligible for the tax credit. If you would like to secure tax credits but prefer to make your contribution later in the year, please let us know the amount you would like…