The Kitchen served its first meal and opened its first shelter in the mid-1980s, and over the last 40 years has grown into a powerful nonprofit organization, providing a pathway out of homelessness for hundreds of people each year.
As part of our “Serving the Ozarks” weekly special, KOLR 10's Bailey Strohl and FOX AM's Maddie Conklin wanted to share a heartfelt “thank you” to the staff who are doing great work to bring stability and meaning to people living without housing.
“We couldn't exist without our incredible volunteers, because 41 years ago we were exactly that: a volunteer organization stepping forward in the community, recognizing a need, responding to it, and walking alongside Sister Lorraine and her great vision,” says CEO Melea Spencer.
The Kitchen Inc.'s mission is to address the housing crisis in our community.
The nonprofit's emergency shelter, located at Glenstone and Chestnut Expressway in Springfield, provides temporary housing to get people off the streets before they begin the 90-day process of getting to a place where they can live and work independently.
On the housing side alone, The Kitchen Inc. helped 711 people in 2023. In the first six months of 2024, the organization helped nearly 500 people find a safe place to sleep, according to Shannon Pierce, director of compliance and programs.
A youth outreach center in downtown Springfield called Rare Breed provides food, clothing and many opportunities for young people to learn skills and improve their situation.
“Typically, everyone who comes into our facility leaves quickly. We want to make sure they're safe, they're warm and they're fed,” said operations manager George Bufford Stark.
To address Springfield’s current affordable housing shortage, The Kitchen Inc. has become its own developer and established several affordable housing communities for anyone in need.
Melea Spencer: “They work one-on-one with all kinds of individuals, whether they be veterans, individuals or families, making sure they have the resources they need to make connections and take the next steps towards independence.
Beyond housing, The Kitchen Inc. offers case management: staff accompany each individual to obtain documents needed to apply for employment, such as government-issued identification and resumes.
Their mission to serve the Ozarks began with feeding the hungry, but has expanded to finding homes for neighbors in need.
“I grew up with a passion for service, so I'm blessed to have the privilege of working here,” George Bufford Stark said.
“Springfield is a wonderful, generous community, and this is the best place to get the help you need,” adds Shannon Pierce.
Thanks to recent grant funding and other funding, The Kitchen Inc. will soon begin construction on a second emergency shelter space and expects to complete another 32-unit affordable housing development by the end of next year.
To learn more about The Kitchen Inc. and its volunteer opportunities, visit thekitcheninc.org
If you know of an organization that is doing great work by giving back to people in the community, email us at servingtheozarks@nexstar.tv to let us know.
