The Kitchen Announces 2024 Board of Trustees Executive Officers

The Kitchen Announces 2024 Board of Trustees Executive Officers

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Jan. 31, 2024)– The Kitchen announces 2024 Board of Trustees executive officers. The 2024 officers are: Kim Tilley, vice president of operations for support services at Mercy, as board president Rob Fridge, project manager at Spectra Composites, as board vice president Eric Latimer, fire operations division chief at Springfield, MO Fire Department, as board secretary Jen Albers, senior managing consultant at FORVIS, as board treasurer Ellen Hammock, Vice president of operations at CoxHealth, as board past president About The Kitchen, Inc. The Kitchen’s mission is to bring stability and purpose to people who are homeless. Dedicated staff, collaboration…
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Kierra’s Story: Young mother finds stability at Rare Breed Youth Services

Kierra’s Story: Young mother finds stability at Rare Breed Youth Services

Kierra was 16 when she started coming to Rare Breed Youth Services. Now, the 22-year-old mother reflects on what it was like being a homeless teenager in Springfield. Kierra says when you are homeless, you have to be constantly on the move. Finding a safe place to sleep at night and making sure your things don’t get stolen is a priority. Rare Breed was the main place she could spend her time. At first, Kierra needed all the resources offered. Rare Breed was a safe place Kierra could shower, change clothes, do laundry, and get a meal. It was also…
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Limited Amount of Tax Credits Still Available

Limited Amount of Tax Credits Still Available

We are excited to share that The Kitchen has a limited amount of Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) and Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credits still available to donors. These 50-55% tax credits are available to donors with business income. Types of income eligible for tax credits include farm income, rent income, LLC or partnership income, sole proprietorship income or S-Corp income. Donations from corporations are also eligible for the tax credit. If you would like to secure tax credits but prefer to make your contribution later in the year, please let us know the amount you would like…
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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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Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles Partners with The Kitchen in October

Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles Partners with The Kitchen in October

For every golf car sold in October from Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles (Ozark location), Clear Creek will donate $50 to The Kitchen. If a customer mentions The Kitchen, they will raise that donation to $250. These funds will help families, youth, seniors, and Veterans experiencing homelessness. Visit Clear Creek Golf Car & Utility Vehicles at 5801 N. 21st St on Friday, October 13, 3-5pm for an Open House. Attendees will get 20% off parts and accessories and 10% off wheels and tires during the event.  For questions about the promotion, contact Trey Hathcock with Clear Creek Golf…
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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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