Stories - The Kitchen

11 Nov 2022

Peter’s Story: 90-Year-Old Homeless Veteran Finds Hope at The Kitchen

This Veterans Day, we are sharing the story of a Veteran helped by our Home At Last program. Peter is a 90-year-old Korean War Veteran. He became homeless earlier this year when he was forced to move from the New Mexico apartment he’d lived in for 17 years. Peter Isn't What You'd Picture Peter isn't what you’d picture a homeless person to be. He served in the Navy from 1951 until the end of the Korean War in 1953. After the war, he got a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University where he played tennis. After graduation, he enlisted again, this…

27 Oct 2022

Sheila’s Story – Finding Hope in The Kitchen’s Homeless Shelter

Sheila is a mother and wife in her mid-fifties. She has extensive health issues that put her in the hospital frequently including congestive heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, severe bipolar disorder, and PTSD. When Sheila’s husband went to prison in summer 2021, she became the sole provider for their daughter (11) and son (10). Sheila struggled to balance her health, her housing, and taking care of her children. The family was evicted from their home in March. Fortunately, Sheila’s children have been able to stay with their grandfather. Sheila found shelter at Safe to Sleep, a local homeless shelter for…

02 Jun 2022

Sabrina’s Story – Rare Breed Youth Services

Sabrina was struggling with addiction and experiencing suicidal thoughts when she entered Mercy’s Marian Center for in-patient treatment at 19 years old. When she exited the treatment program, she was hesitant to return to her mother’s house. They had a rocky relationship made worse by her mental health struggles and addiction. That is how Sabrina found herself homeless in April 2019. A few days later, she connected with Rare Breed Youth Services, a program that provides immediate access to basic needs and rapid access to community services for youth ages 13-24. Sabrina found food, clothing, and showers at Rare Breed.…

26 Aug 2020

A Family in Crisis

A Single father and his 8-year-old twin daughters were homeless before finding The Kitchen, Inc. A Single Father The father is originally from Chicago and moved to Springfield when he was 20. He was living with his girlfriend before she started using drugs. Her drug use forced him to leave their house. When his daughters were 5 years old, their mother dropped them off at Isabel’s House. Isabel’s House contacted him and he was able to gain custody of the girls. He and the girls lived with his mother while he was enrolled in an automotive program at Ozarks Technical…

19 Aug 2020

Meet Patty, a Resident of Beacon Village

Homeless, Not Hopeless Patty was homeless, struggling with alcoholism and living on the streets when she was referred to The Kitchen, Inc.’s Community Housing program. Through The Kitchen, Inc., Patty was able to sign a lease for an apartment at Beacon Village, one of The Kitchen, Inc.’s affordable housing properties. Working Towards Sobriety Once housed, Patty began working on the barriers that led to her homelessness. Alcoholism was a huge barrier to living a healthy, stable life. Her case manager, Nancy Galetti, connected Patty to MSU Care and Burrell Behavioral Health. Part of Patty’s treatment includes injections once a month…

22 Jul 2020

Road to Stability

Our spotlight this week features a 51-year-old Army Veteran. He was happy to share his story but wished to remain anonymous. Growing Up Old School This Veteran grew up in Springdale, AR and “found out real early there is nothing in life for free.” At nine years old, he began working with his dad blocking mud on construction sites. He recalls returning to school in the fall as “quite a buff kid.” He credits his country, old-school upbringing for his work- and life-ethic. Connecting to Home at Last After losing his home, this Veteran found Home at Last after talking…

Category: Stories