Senior Homelessness on the Rise

Senior Homelessness on the Rise

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in seniors ages 55+ experiencing homelessness—many for the first time. Homeless seniors face a unique set of challenges that can lead to homelessness: Limited Fixed Incomes: many seniors rely on fixed income like social security which doesn’t keep pace with rising housing costs. Without affordable housing, many are burdened by rent.  Health Challenges: chronic health issues and disabilities can lead to increased medical expenses and reduced capacity to work, leading many to homelessness.  Loneliness and Isolation: as spouses, family, and friends pass away or move away, seniors find themselves isolated and without a safety net…
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Katelin’s Story: Affordable Housing Reunites Family After Being Homeless

Katelin’s Story: Affordable Housing Reunites Family After Being Homeless

Katelin (28) is a single mom with three children and a younger brother she cares for. She struggled with homelessness for many years before she found The Kitchen. Katelin recalls times when all five of them stayed in a single cramped hotel room. When things were really bad, her children went to live with their father. “I lost my kids...and I lost myself for a long time. I just now started recovering,” says Katelin. Finding Shelter Not being able to live with her children was hard, and she worked harder to get back on her feet. Katelin was referred to…
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The Kitchen Opens New Affordable Housing Development

The Kitchen Opens New Affordable Housing Development

The Kitchen will host a ribbon cutting on a new affordable housing development Tuesday, August 29 at 11am. The property, located at 550 N Duke Ave, is Maplewood Villas, a 44-unit affordable housing development designed for low-income and formerly homeless seniors—especially Veterans. The project is funded by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, MHEG, CRA Investments, the City of Springfield, and the Bank of Missouri. Maplewood Villas includes 44 two-bedroom, one-bathroom units for seniors 55 and older. All units are ground-floor accessible units. 11 units have been set aside specifically to serve homeless Veterans. A portion of units has also been…
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The Kitchen to Break Ground on New Affordable Housing Development

The Kitchen to Break Ground on New Affordable Housing Development

The Kitchen, Inc. will break ground on a new affordable housing development Thursday, July 28 at 11am. The property, located at 550 N Duke Ave, is the future site of Maplewood Villas, a 44-unit affordable housing development designed for low-income and formerly homeless seniors—especially Veterans. The project is funded by The Missouri Housing Development Commission, Bank of Missouri, and CRA Investments. Maplewood Villas will include 44 two-bedroom, one-bathroom units for seniors 55 and older. All units will be ground-floor accessible units. 11 units will be set aside specifically to serve homeless Veterans. A portion of units will also be set…
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New Affordable Housing Development: Maplewood Villas

New Affordable Housing Development: Maplewood Villas

Ending homelessness will take more than case management and housing assistance. Our community needs more housing options that are safe, affordable, and desirable to serve low-income families and individuals. The Kitchen, Inc. is excited to announce a new affordable housing development to help meet this need. Maplewood Villas, Affordable Housing for Seniors 55+ Maplewood Villas will be a 44-unit affordable housing development specifically designed for low-income and formally homeless seniors—especially Veterans. Funding for the project comes from the Missouri Housing Development Commission, MHEG, CRA Investments, the City of Springfield, and the Bank of Missouri. Maplewood Villas will include 44 universally designed, two-bedroom, one-bathroom…
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