MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — After nearly five decades operating out of a subleased basement, Kinship Community Food Center has officially broken ground on a new permanent home on Milwaukee's east side.

The nonprofit on Wednesday celebrated the start of construction on a new $21.5 million facility near Holton Street and Locust Street.

The new center will feature a free market, commercial kitchen and dedicated space to connect families with housing, health care and employment services.

"Too many families still have to make impossible decisions between groceries, rent, childcare, medicine, or bills," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said. "This will be more than a place to feed people. This will be a place to feed people's soul."

Kinship Community Food Center has served the Milwaukee community for 47 years and expects the new facility to open next year.

The organization is also accepting donations to support the project.