Those experiencing homelessness in the Springfield area will soon have more options for shelter, according to a press release.

The Kitchen Inc. will break ground at 11 a.m. Jan. 10 on a second group of units for its Emergency Shelter program.

The new group will feature 12 modular units at 1855 E. Chestnut Expressway, each of which has a private bathroom and kitchenette. A half-court basketball court will also be part of the addition, adding to already-existing amenities that include a laundry room, computer room, playground, animal kennels and on-site case management, according to the press release.

“This expansion addresses Springfield’s urgent need for temporary housing solutions, offering a supportive environment for families and individuals as they transition to permanent housing,” said Meleah Spencer, CEO of The Kitchen Inc.

What is the Emergency Shelter program?

The Emergency Shelter program opened in November 2018 with 13 units and a 50-bed capacity, according to The Kitchen. It is a 90-day program that provides temporary shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

“This program creates a path to permanent housing and this expansion marks a significant step in our mission to end homelessness in Springfield,” Spencer said in the press release. “In shelter, participants have the safety and support to address their barriers to stable housing. Case Managers work with these individuals to connect them with the necessary resources. Emergency Shelter 2.0 will provide a safe haven for individuals and families, giving them the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives and achieve independence.”

More: Springfield’s Victory Mission + Ministry provides resources, meals for more than 1,500

WILL COUNTY, Ill. – The family of Illinois State Trooper Clay Carns, who was struck and killed on I-55 near Channahon just before Christmas, has expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received during this tragic time.

Carns died Monday night after being hit by a vehicle while removing debris from the expressway.

On Saturday, his family issued the following statement:

“The Family of Trooper Clay Carns mourn the loss of their treasured husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We could never begin to thank law enforcement nor the thousands from our community who have reached out to us to express their love and support.

“To the public, Clay became a hero on December 23, 2024, when he was killed in the line of duty. To his family, he has always been a hero.

“Our world has been shattered, and we will never be the same. But we take comfort in knowing that he lived his life with such purpose, he loved his family and friends fiercely, and he took great pride in his work.”

What happened 

The crash occurred on Monday, Dec. 23 – the very same day that was designated as “Scott’s Law Day” in Illinois, which reminds driver’s to move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles. 

At around 10 p.m., Carns was clearing debris from the southbound lanes of I-55 near Channahon when he was struck by a vehicle.

He was transported to Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, where he later died.

The driver, identified as 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, was arrested and charged with a felony violation of Scott’s Law.

ISP arrested John Fleet, 69, of Wilmington, after the crash.

Trooper Carns served with the Illinois State Police for 11 years. He was a married father of two young children. 

Funeral services announced 

Services for Trooper Carns will be held at Parkview Christian Church, located at 11100 Orland Parkway in Orland Park.

• Visitation: Thursday, Jan. 2, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a first responder walkthrough at 6 p.m.
• Funeral Service: Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m., followed by a private interment.

How to support the family

A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $195,000 as of Saturday for Trooper Carns’ family. 

The fund has a goal of raising $250,000 and has received 2,000 donations so far. 

To learn more about the campaign, click here. 

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