The Kitchen Inc. will mark the opening of its expanded emergency shelter with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 27 at 1855 E. Chestnut Expressway in Springfield.
The event will include public tours of the facility from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to a community announcement. The expansion nearly doubles the shelter's capacity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The Kitchen opened the emergency shelter in 2018 and reports serving 862 people since that time. The organization said 48% of those served were children.
The project adds 12 units to the facility, increasing the total number of units to 25. The shelter uses private apartment-style accommodations rather than a congregate shelter model, allowing families
to stay together during periods of housing instability.
Expanded capacity for emergency housing
As demand for emergency housing continues to increase, the added units will allow The Kitchen to serve more families seeking temporary shelter, according to the announcement. The organization said in the announcement that the expansion is intended to provide stability and supportive services that help residents move toward permanent housing.
People staying at the shelter receive case management services and assistance connecting with housing, employment, health care and other community resources.
Amenities designed to support families
The expanded facility includes laundry facilities, outdoor recreation areas, a playground, a computer lab and kennels. The organization said in the announcement that those amenities are designed to support individuals and families during their stay.
The Kitchen said in the announcement that the larger shelter reflects its ongoing efforts to address homelessness in Springfield by increasing emergency housing capacity and providing services aimed at helping residents achieve long-term housing stability.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: The Kitchen expands Springfield shelter, adds 12 units
