homeless veteran - The Kitchen

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…

09 Aug 2023

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…

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…

14 Jul 2022

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…

16 Jun 2022

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…

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…

Tag: homeless veteran