The new O’Reilly Family Campus will house the Sam F. and June S. Hamra Family Support Services Building and the Emergency Shelter.
Decades of History
For 37 years, The Kitchen, Inc. has been there for our neighbors in need. Sister Lorraine Biebel began serving meals to the homeless in 1983. From that first meal until today, The Kitchen, Inc. has evolved from a soup kitchen into a leader in our community providing stability and purpose to people who are homeless. Part of that evolution includes moving from The Kitchen, Inc.’s long-time campus on Commercial Street.
Building a Dream
Our capital campaign launched in 2015 to pay the cost of the new campus construction. On June 8, 2017 The Kitchen, Inc. broke ground on the O’Reilly Family Campus. The campus is located on the corner of Chestnut Expwy and Glenstone Ave. The Construction process included two phases.
Phase One was the Emergency Shelter that includes 14 apartments with a 50-bed capacity. The Kitchen, Inc. celebrated the completion of the shelter with a Housewarming Celebration on November 8, 2018 and opened the building to the community. Thirteen apartments serve individuals, families, Veterans and youth, while one apartment is reserved for respite care. Since opening, the Emergency Shelter has served 117 people.
Phase Two is the Sam F. and June S. Hamra Family Support Services building that will house case managers, the housing office, our support nurse, administrative offices, and the Donation Center. Construction began in April 2019. We should open the new building in October 2020.
Forwarding Our Vision
The O’Reilly Family Campus will allow us to forward our vision of a community without homelessness. The apartment-style shelter brings more dignity and security to families who need a place to stay until they can find permanent housing and lessens the disruption and trauma children and adults can experience after losing their home. Likewise, the Hamra Family Support Services building offers a safe, confidential place for our clients to meet with staff and receive services.
We believe this campus will be a new beginning for The Kitchen, Inc. and we could not have done it without your support. For 37 years, we have provided quality, compassionate service that brings dignity and respect to people experiencing homelessness. The O’Reilly Family Campus ensures we can continue to serve our neighbors in need for years to come. Thank you for helping us end homelessness.
Want to contribute to the cause? Consider donating to the Capital Campaign.
