In 2017, Bloom House founders Klara Corn and Emily Yell were working at a women’s shelter together when a conversation about the lack of a homeless shelter in Emporia inspired an idea. 

“I just, in one of those throw-away joke lines said ‘well just do it yourself’,” Yell said. “And then a couple of months later she (Corn) was like I’m actually going to do it, I need your help. So I was like okay.” 

Bloom House, a shelter for homeless teens in Emporia, was created after Corn found out that the closest shelters were in Tulsa, Wichita, and Kansas city. 

“It came out of being angry and surprised that there was nothing already so we created one.” Corn said.

For decades, Bloom House was the location for SOS, a shelter for domestic violence victims. It was off the grid at the time for the safety of those victims, but now that Corn and her partners have transformed it into a homeless shelter, they want it to be easily spotted by teens.”

“We’re continuing that tradition of offering safe refuge and shelter but this time we are bright, neon and findable” Corn said. 

With their signature bright blue color on the door, fence, and glowing sign, the house is hard to miss. Corn also plans to plant blue flowers out front in the springtime to match the theme of the house. 

“We wanted it to be symbolic of growth, and hope, and life, and so we thought of flowers,” said Corn. “And so, bloom.” 

Before the house was used by SOS, it served as student housing for the College of Emporia. Now, the 3 story building has created some of its own history in the process, by memorializing those who have contributed to their message. 

“Ace’s family is really a huge part of why we are here,” Corn said.

When Bloom House first opened, Corn and Yell were looking for storefronts as a temporary shelter until they could afford their ideal space. The realtor that spoke with Corn believed in their mission and bought the house to rent out to Corn for $1000 a month. This realtor was Ace’s father. 

“Ace died tragically very young as a teenager in a car accident. And his parents told us that when he passed away, at his funeral and for days after, that kids were coming up to them and telling them about what an impact Ace had made on their lives.”

Ace’s welcoming spirit earned him a special place in the house called Ace’s Place. 

“He always had like a space for people to come who felt maybe ostracized or sad or they were going through something and that he was always a welcoming presence around,” Corn said.

Another memorial in the home is dedicated to Yell’s mother who passed away in 2016.

“She was very much a mom and grandma to anyone who walked in the door,” Yell said. 

Grandma Shari, as she was known, always welcomed those she met into the kitchen. 

“Somebody said that her love language was food and I think that’s the most perfect thing that anyone can ever say about her,” Yell said. “When you walk in she would say ‘hi, how are you doing, are you hungry?’ That’s how every interaction would start. Designing this place we were thinking about a way to honor my mom and it really, the kitchen really screamed this is what she would want.” 

The history of Bloom House continues to grow as it has now housed 5 teens in the past 11 months of operation. Yell has already made long-lasting memories with youth in the area. 

“When our first resident was leaving, she had an interview with DCF about reunification with her family,” Yell said.  And when they asked her if she had any support outside of the home, she said Emily at Bloom House is like another older sister to me. And then she gave me a hug and I was just crying and it was the best feeling in the world and I want to feel that all the time so that’s my new job.” 

In January, Bloom House celebrates one full year of helping those who need a safe place to land.