JEFFERSON CITY — Access to affordable housing is a pressing challenge for many in mid-Missouri. In Jefferson City, Transformational Housing stands out as an organization that goes beyond providing shelter by offering transformative support to those in need.
Following the devastating 2019 tornado in Jefferson City, Transformational Housing emerged to address the growing need for housing assistance. Over the past five years, community support has fueled the construction of a second special house, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to its mission.
Katie Raines, a beneficiary of Transformational Housing, shared her story of overcoming a one-year drug addiction treatment program.
“My life had become unmanageable. I was in jail for seven months and realized I couldn’t do it anymore,” Raines said.
Homeless and struggling, Raines found not just shelter but also hope and support through the organization.
“Don’t give up, whatever changes you need to make or whatever mountains you need to climb, it is possible. If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Raines said.
Key aspects of Transformational Housing’s approach are the weekly coaching sessions and community support provided to program members. The organization also only requires residents to pay what they can, using about 25% to 30% of their income toward their rent.
Volunteers like Marlene Medin, Raines’s coach, find joy in assisting individuals on their transformative journey, emphasizing the organization’s holistic support system.
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“If someone wants to make a change and improve and better their lives, we’re here to help,” Medin said.
Transformational Housing is dedicated to offering affordable rental housing. Through collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, the organization repurposes and renovates donated buildings, providing homes for those in need.
Currently, Transformational Housing is undergoing construction at 1112 E. McCarty St. The location will have a total of six bedrooms when completed. The organization also just received approval for a grant which will go toward another home at 101 Jackson St. It will have total of five bedrooms when completed.
Mark Kiekhafer, the president of Transformational Housing, emphasized the positive impact of affordable housing on individuals’ lives, showcasing the collaborative efforts between the organization and the city. Kiekhafer explained how much Raines has improved through this program.
“She has full-time employment, she has stayed very involved with the programs at Healing House and is making tremendous steps forward in her life and as a mother. Part of that is because she has affordable housing,” Kiekhafer said.
Jefferson City officials recognize the critical role organizations like Transformational Housing play in addressing homelessness. Approximately 200 people live unhoused in Jefferson City at any given time, according to Rachel Senzee, supervisor for Neighborhood Services in Jefferson City. She said she appreciates what Transformational Housing has brought to the city.
“From the city’s perspective, we like organizations like this, we call them stepping stones. Partnering with a nonprofit that is better at these services is often how we approach these problems,” Senzee said.
As Transformational Housing opens new doors, it brings hope and positive change to mid-Missouri families. To get involved, visit the organization’s website.