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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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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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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Corwin Automotive to Donate Portion of August Sales to The Kitchen

Corwin Automotive to Donate Portion of August Sales to The Kitchen

In August, Corwin Automotive will donate a portion of all vehicle sales to The Kitchen to help end homelessness in the Ozarks. Shop Corwin CDJR of Springfield, Corwin Ford of Springfield, and Corwin Ford of Republic for all your automotive needs. Visit Corwin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT at 3306 E Kearney St on Friday, August 18 10am-noon for a special event for the promotion. Tour the state-of-the-art dealership, learn about The Kitchen, and get a coupon for a free oil change while supplies last. For questions about the promotion, contact Albert Sandford with Corwin Automotive at (417) 862-9272 or…
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