Nonprofit of the Year Winner | Medium: The Kitchen Inc.

The Kitchen Inc. started as just that: a soup kitchen for people who are unhoused. Forty-one years later, meals are still part of its mission; however, TKI’s current Housing First focus is informed by research on stopping the cycle.

“The Housing First model emphasizes quickly connecting individuals to permanent housing, which has been shown to improve long-term outcomes,” says CEO Meleah Spencer.

TKI’s affordable housing communities are Franciscan Villa, Beacon Village I and II, Spero Place, McClernon Villas and Maplewood Villas, which is expanding in 2025 as a 55-plus and veteran community. In 2023, TKI housed 711 people. It operates with a budget of more than $3 million, 39 employees and approximately 365 volunteers. In 2023, $1.3 million went directly to rent and utility assistance, emergency housing aid and housing stability support.

Homelessness does not discriminate. Seniors and veterans are in great need, and TKI’s Rare Breed Youth Services addresses those ages 13-24 with more than 600 clients served annually. In 2023, Rare Breed served 9,045 meals and recorded 7,094 center visits with 29 youth securing housing.

“Especially as things have fluctuated in our economy, the level of kids needing help has increased,” Spencer says. “Rare Breed is a place where they can come to get food, shower, clothes, a meal.”

TKI provides a cutting-edge emergency shelter designed by Ireland Architects Inc. which provides full units that can support families. It’s located on the nonprofit’s O’Reilly Family Campus alongside the administrative offices, donation center and case management team. The facility is adding 12 units for a total of 25 units and 50 beds.

One of TKI’s biggest challenges is stigma. Through volunteer involvement and presenting at local groups, the nonprofit hosts honest conversations about the realities of homelessness. The Housing First model prioritizes rapid housing without preconditions which Spencer explains as providing a safe roof first and addressing other problems such as addiction or mental health after.

If it’s Housing First now, why keep the name? Spencer’s voice cracks with emotion as she explains: “The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. When you go over to someone’s house, where do you always seem to end up at the heart of the home gathered around, talking, laughing, developing friendships? And that’s the heart of what we do here.”

What has been the biggest impact your organization has made on the people you serve?
“It’s all going to come down to housing and getting them housed. If we are to end homelessness, we must have more quality, affordable housing in our community and so we are opening our sixth development that will happen next year.” —Meleah Spencer