2024 Economic Impact Awards 36-74 Years in Business: The Kitchen Inc.

The Kitchen Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, has made significant strides in the past year. Initially operating as a soup kitchen in a donated facility, TKI evolved since 1983 to meet the community’s broader needs, including community housing properties for low-income residents.

Its fifth housing property, Maplewood Villas, opened in August 2023 and achieved full occupancy from day one.

“We’ve had such a success rate, and we knew it would be a great success, that we immediately applied to add Maplewood Villas II,” says Meleah Spencer, The Kitchen’s CEO.

Construction is set to begin later this year, with an expected opening by the end of 2025.

In addition to housing, The Kitchen’s emergency shelter will see the addition of 12 units with funding provided by American Rescue Plan Act funds from the city of Springfield and the Department of Economic Development.

“It’s a noncongregate shelter, meaning everyone has their own microsized apartment with separate sleeping areas,” Spencer says. “This allows bathrooms, kitchens and living areas. This allows folks to stay up to 90 days, leave their belongings and work with a case manager on-site to address their housing goals.”

The Kitchen’s Rare Breed youth outreach center has also expanded its services with a newly dedicated learning center. “We’ve had new volunteers saying, ‘I’d like to teach a class there,’ and it’s been wonderful to see,” says Spencer.

Homelessness poses significant economic challenges, Spencer says, often increasing the burden on emergency services, health care and law enforcement. The Kitchen offsets these costs by offering safe, affordable housing and comprehensive support services.

“On average, a single person that’s chronically homeless can cost a community just shy of $36,000 a year,” Spencer says. “Through our funds and wraparound services, we can help that same person for just under $13,000. This not only saves expenses but also helps individuals get on a path to self-sufficiency and contribute back to the economy.”

Recognizing the often emotionally heavy workload, Spencer says she values employee well-being and provides staff with paid time off and mental health support. “We really value work-life balance here,” Spencer says. “Our generous PTO policy helps prevent burnout and increases job satisfaction.”

Spencer says 2025 will have even more growth. “We could not do this alone. If we’re going to end homelessness, we need an increased focus on affordable housing.”

What began as a humble soup kitchen in 1983 has grown into a premier service provider in the Ozarks, with a focus now on providing affordable housing that stabilizes clients and gets them workforce ready while also reducing reliance on expensive public resources and supporting local businesses.