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
Emergency Assistance
Having consistent housing helps develop a solid foundation for student achievement. Being forced to move can bring on stress for each family member and lead to chronic absenteeism and disruptive school transfers.
There is a high correlation between evictions, moving frequently, and high absenteeism and lower standardized test scores.
When parents have to spend more of their income on housing (due to rising rental costs), there is little money left for extracurricular activities and healthy food.
Our assistance not only helps the family stay in their homes but also benefits them personally, including improving their children’s educational opportunities.
Your continued financial support for our program helps provide stability for the family and changes kids’ lives. Again, thank you for your support.
Your Shared Bread Team,
Leslie, Pat, and Rhonda
Shared Bread in 2025
We gave out $95,093.12.
We received 3 grants.
We had 2 major gifts given by members.
We helped Auburn Methodist Church with an assistance request.
We met with both Coeur d'Alene Methodist and Fairwood Methodist, who wanted to model their programs after ours.
In January 2025, we reached our million-dollar mark after 20 years of giving.
We helped 5 members of our congregation.
We did a presentation to the Covington Kiwanis.
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.