Springfield nonprofits chosen for $1.1M in VA grants

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs chose two Springfield nonprofits to receive a combined $1.1 million in grants designed to end homelessness among veterans.

Through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Inc. was selected to receive $626,440, and the Kitchen Inc. will get $491,179, according to VA.gov.

On Springfield Business Journal’s 2016 list of the area’s largest nonprofits, Catholic Charities ranked 13th with a nearly $5 million operating budget, while The Kitchen was 17th with $3.6 million. Both charities count services for veterans among their duties.

In a news release, officials with The Kitchen said the funding would provide area veterans and their families with temporary financial assistance for rent and utility payments, security deposits and moving expenses.

Through its Home at Last program, the grant would allow The Kitchen to help 150 households in Greene, Christian and Webster counties. The program has assisted 348 veterans’ households since starting in October 2013.

Seven Missouri nonprofits were among 275 selected by the VA for $300 million in grants.