Shared Bread

Shared Bread is an extension of our church that helps families, The Disabled, And Senior Citizens Who Live within the Kent School District boundaries.

Our primary focus is offering financial help to stop evictions and to stop utilities (heat and lights) from being shut off. People are eligible for assistance once every 12 months. We usually help close to 600 individuals per year. We have volunteers on Mondays who schedule the interviews for the clients at church for the following Wednesdays. During the interviews, we can assist our clients with additional help for many of their various needs.

Shared Bread Corner

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.
 — Galatians 6:2:

 Whether you watched the game or not, you supported our annual Super Bowl Sunday fundraiser. You generously donated to our Emergency Assistance Program, Shared Bread, as you have done for 25 years, and as a thank you, you received a bucket of snacks. Thank you!

I love watching some sports and, in the past, was into sports big time with my three athletically blessed children. We all support teams, but I think the team I want to be on forever is the Kent United Methodist Team. Our congregation is caring and giving and moves its feet, which means acting and doing what our faith directs us to do—helping our neighbors in need.

This week, power bills have been a big issue, bringing clients needing our assistance. Many are receiving shut-off notices as their bill has climbed from lack of payment for a couple of months or more. Puget Sound Energy announced an increase in its electricity and natural gas rates by 18.6% and 12.6%, respectively, over two years beginning in January 2025. We all know how this can affect our budget, but when you are currently not meeting your needs, you have to turn to your neighbors to survive. Rent prices in Kent have increased in recent months and years. In February 2025, the median rent was $1,927, 6% higher than the previous year.

Shared Bread started around 1999 when our office manager encountered people coming to the church office looking for help with rent and utilities. A small program began with excellent parameters, many of which remain today.

This week, I was informed that Shared Bread (our emergency assistance) has given our community a million dollars in rent and utility assistance since those lowly beginnings.

This has helped so many families, women fleeing domestic violence, people of color, seniors, and those facing disability challenges. Our clients are our neighbors, and we have not presented barriers. We help. Almost every week, year in and year out.

When interviewing clients, they say, “I have called other charities, but no one has money; I am so thankful for the help.” When appointments are scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and clients tell you other organizations are taking the holidays off, you realize the importance of your work. Life can be stressful in today’s world, and we have developed one place over the years where our neighbors can come, and we try to help. Thanks to each and everyone in this congregation.

Leslie, Pat, and Rhoda
Your Shared Bread Team