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
In South King County in 2026, we are facing a housing shortage and overcrowding, which is being labeled as an acute crisis. 28% of renters live in crowded conditions. Residents face some of the highest costs of living in the nation. Homelessness and housing instability are rising rapidly. Federal funding for emergency vouchers is expected to run out in the fall of 2026. King County's budget and services are facing reductions due to current budget shortfalls. In 2025, 930,000 people received food assistance. As food costs rise, older adults may be forced to change their grocery shopping habits to cover rising rent. In 1990, the average age of first-time home buyers was 28; by 2026, it was 40.
These are all local issues that our community is facing. After the sermon concludes each Sunday at KUMC, our Pastor says, "Now go out and change the world!" Powerful words. An old hymn favorite of mine goes: "They will know we are Christians by our love".
Our emergency assistance program "Shared Bread" has been doing just that. In January of 2025, after 20 years of service, we reached the $1 million mark in giving to our neighbors in need. In 2025 alone, we gave out $94,000 to help keep power and water on, work with others to stop evictions, and keep our neighbors housed. We are doing our part here through our church, and in partnership with many programs, we help. How do we accomplish this? By people reaching out in this congregation, way beyond our church walls. The generosity and care I see each week at this church renew my faith and are truly amazing.
We traditionally hold our primary fundraiser for Shared Bread on Super Bowl Sunday. This year, we will be asking for donations for Super Bowl snacks and hopefully see our Seahawks in the big game. Regardless, we will be doing the snacks; however, a little twist. Our budget balance in Shared Bread is strong going into 2026, so we would like to replenish funding in our congregational care budget to address needs that arise and are brought to our pastor's attention for his discretion. So keep changing the world right here within the Kent School District boundaries (which encompass 5 cities) through our program, and enjoy some snacks.
Leslie, Pat, Rhonda, and our numerous helpers who keep us lean and mean but Mighty.
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.