KEARNEY, Neb. — A Central Nebraska homeless shelter is starting a kitchen renovation project.

Crossroads Mission Avenue announced last week that the remodel will happen at its Kearney location. The renovation will change the residential-style kitchen to a commercial kitchen and will expand the dining area.

A news release says the shelter serves meals to an average of 67 guests daily. It is open to anyone needing a meal. Since opening in 2012, the shelter has served more than 657,000 meals.

“The last few years have been trying times for many and being able to provide for their basic needs often means the difference between paying rent or putting food on the table - a decision that can so easily be remedied through food pantries like ours,” Executive Director Daniel Buller said. “We are excited to upgrade and improve our facilities so that we can continue strong in our mission to bring glory to God through the helping of people.”

Crossroads expects the project to cost about $450,000 and to be finished by mid-November. During the renovation, the shelter is encouraging people and groups to help provide meals. The shelter’s food pantry will continue to operate.

Kearney Crossroads provided 73,563 hot, nutritious meals to hungry individuals in Buffalo County last year, and nearly 700 families received a food box from the Mission in 2023.