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

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

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…
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Take a Look Inside the Emergency Shelter

Take a Look Inside the Emergency Shelter

The Kitchen, Inc. Emergency Shelter opened in November 2018 with 13 apartments and a 50-bed capacity. Thirteen apartments serve individuals, families, Veterans, and youth, while one apartment is reserved for respite care. Since opening, 119 people have been temporarily housed in the shelter. Designed with Family in Mind Unlike most congregate shelters, The Kitchen, Inc. Emergency Shelter provides each family with space of their own: a kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and a small living area. This allows families to focus on securing permanent housing without worrying about the safety of their children or the security of their possessions. In the COVID-19…
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