Shared Bread
Shared Bread is a ministry of our church that supports individuals living within the Kent School District boundaries.
Our primary focus is on offering financial assistance to prevent evictions and to prevent utilities (including heat and electricity) from being shut off. People are eligible for assistance once every 12 months. We typically assist around 600 individuals per year. We have volunteers on Mondays who schedule interviews for clients to take place the following Wednesday by phone.
Shared Bread Corner
We are fast approaching the end of the year. We had record-breaking giving this year for our neighbors, and surpassed the million-dollar mark in the lifetime of Shared Bread. When we end each service with “go out and change the world,” we do so well beyond our building’s parameters. Our Shared Bread emergency assistance program exists simply because of all of you walking your faith each day.
The year ahead looks to hold many challenges for our most vulnerable and needy citizens, yet we are here and ready to make a difference as we have for many years.
We met with Fairwood Methodist individuals this month who wanted to learn about our program and how to possibly mirror some of our program’s practices in their areas.
The sustained support for our program is demonstrated by our persistent presence here over the years, in good times and bad. It is our foundation we stand on. Our faith is strong and growing.
Now, let’s set out in 2026 and make an even bigger change in our world. Happy New Year !!
The Shared Bread Team
Leslie Hamada, Pat Gray, and Rhonda Goodloe
Kent UMC reaches $1 million milestone for assistance program
Kent United Methodist Church is celebrating a remarkable milestone! Over the past 25 years, the church's Shared Bread Program has surpassed $1 million in donations, providing vital rent and utility assistance to local families in need. Discover how this community-driven initiative continues to make a difference.