Finishing their final phase of facility expansion, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) is hosting an open house and dinner on tonight, May 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm for guests, volunteers, and community members.
The project marks the completion of the agency’s relocation to North 27th Street, which began in 2010. The latest additions include a north addition to the existing facility, a 3-stall garage, and a new “Welcome Home Shop” for clients who are newly housed.
The new garage will store the agency’s vehicles used to transport clients or help them move, as well as store donated furniture.
A view of the “Welcome Home Shop.” (Courtesy: Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach)
The “Welcome Home Shop” is located on the second floor, and will offer free household items their guests transitioning into their new or first home/apartment. An array of items are offered such as dishes, towels, cleaning supplies, sheets, pillows, etc.
Staff will provide tours of the new space tonight at the open house, which coincides with “Give to Lincoln Day” 2024 — the city’s annual day of generosity for local non-profits. Executive Director Alynn Sampson told KLIN News, all funds raised during last year’s Give to Lincoln Day supported the facility’s newest expansion, and now their “ask” this year is “now we have to keep it filled and keep it going.”
“We want to keep expanding and offering this to our guests and clients who are getting housed, so donations can help us continue to make sure we have sheets and towels available for them,” said Sampson. “The need in the community continues to go up, and we’re continuing to see an increase in individuals coming through our doors for help.”
MTKO’s old garage has been converted into a choice food-pantry, offering free shelf stable food items to clients as well as produce, meats, and dairy items.
“It’s two fold what we’re offering: you can fill up your home with household items and fill up your cupboards with food of your choice,” Sampson said. “We just want people to feel successful and hopeful going into their new home.”
During the open house, outdoor seating will be available, weather permitting, and staff members will provide tours of the facility.
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- New conference room/training space
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- Outside view of the new garage (Courtesy: Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach)