Our Story

  • In 1970, a powerful vision ignited the hearts of 17 Renton Churches. Together, they realized they could have a lasting impact on their neighbors in distress. Thus REACH Renton was born. Over the years, we have worked with community members and partners to provide critical resources to those in need. Together we have provided food, shelter and unwavering support. 

    Our commitment to innovation and volunteerism has resulted in transformative programs. For example, ARISE, our shelter designed for homeless men, has now found a new home under the direction of Catholic Community Services. Also our vibrant community kitchen, where nutritious meals are prepared with love and shared with open hearts. 

    Since 2012, our mission to combat hunger and homelessness has grown even stronger. We made the decision to incorporate as a non-profit, enabling us to develop robust shelter services for families in alignment with our community-based values.

    At the core of our success is our unwavering belief in the power of community. Trust and connection are the cornerstones of our efforts to help people. REACH Renton is a testament to the extraordinary caring of our local community.

    In our pursuit of a brighter future, we have been privileged to witness the selflessness of hundreds of volunteers. These incredible individuals, pre-covid, dedicated their time to serving meals, supporting our shelter, and offering invaluable insights on how we can effectively assist those in need. Through these collective efforts, relationships have blossomed, and deep community care has flourished in the Renton area.

    Join us in our mission to make a difference. Together, we can create a community where no one is left behind. Explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, discover how you can get involved, and help us put compassion into action.

    Together, we can transform lives, one act of kindness at a time.

  • We work to provide everyone in our community a sustainable, healthy, and full life, with special care directed to the marginalized. We seek to embody the belief that every life has innate worth by providing shelter, hot meals, clothing, supplies & other resources.​

  • Advancement:

    We ally ourselves with, and advocate for, those whose dignity and worth are compromised due to a lack of resources. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and progress. By providing essential resources, guidance, and support, we empower individuals experiencing homelessness to overcome obstacles and advance towards a better future.

    Community:

    We firmly believe in the power of community and its role in creating a compassionate, healthy, and sustainable way of living together. We offer ourselves, both as an organization and as individuals, to support and uplift our community. Through collaboration, active listening, and fostering strong relationships, we work towards building a sense of belonging and collective well-being for all.

    Equity:

    Dedication to equity is at the heart of our organization. We are committed to creating a safe environment for all staff, clients, and community members. We actively engage in continuous improvement, seeking ways to enhance our organization's commitment to equity and inclusion. We strive to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to opportunities and support.

    By integrating our values of Advancement, Community, and Equity into our approach, we aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. We recognize the inherent worth and potential in every individual, and we are dedicated to working together with compassion and determination to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

  • 1970

    Founded in 1970, our organization was born from the collective vision of 17 pastors who were inspired by the spirit of the ecumenical movement. With a shared goal of fostering collaboration and unity, we set out to create a forum that would bring together clergy and laypersons alike.

  • 1982

    Volunteers gathered every Thursday evening at Honeydew Elementary School in the Renton Highlands to cook and serve a meal for anyone who came. The meal continued for over 30 years until 2012.

  • 1983

    Since 1983, REACH has hosted and sponsored the annual Renton CROP hunger walk. Twenty-five percent of the total raised stays in Renton to support feeding programs.

  • 2004

    REACH's task force designed and implemented a shelter called ARISE (Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor), that rotates on a monthly basis between various churches to provide overnight shelter for up to 25 homeless men. In 2007 this program was put under the auspices of Catholic Community Services.

  • 2007

    In response to a pressing community need, took action by lobbying the Renton City government. Our aim was to establish a bus line connecting apartments in the Talbot Hill area to downtown markets. This initiative sought to address the challenges faced by residents and improve access to essential resources.

  • 2007

    REACH held monthly meetings were at Renton First United Methodist Church until 2007. Then meeting rotated between partner churches.

  • 2012

    In 2012, we took a significant step by becoming an incorporated 501(c)(3) organization, solidifying our commitment to serving the community and making a lasting impact.

  • 2013

    REACH Renton opened Center of Hope with a day shelter located in Renton City Hall. Overnight shelter was initially provided at various churches on a monthly rotating basis. The Center of Hope shelter now operates 24/7 365 days a year.

  • 2013

    REACH assembled a group to explore combination of how meals are given to the individuals in need in Renton, WA.

  • 2015

    REACH inherited preparing and serving the weekend meals (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and serving breakfast to those in need 5 mornings a week. Serving locations have varied and permanent housing is being sought.​​​

"I’ve been the person who needed help to get out of homelessness, now I am able to give back through my lived experience"

— Staff member, REACH Renton