Our MissionWe 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.
In recognition of the call to a just and sustainable community, and in thanksgiving for the gifts we have been given, we respond by: I. Offering ourselves to each other and our community, in support of compassionate, healthy and sustainable ways of living together. II. Allying ourselves with, and advocating for, those whose dignity and worth are compromised through lack of resources. |
our HistoryREACH (Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches) began in 1970 with 17 pastors fueled by the spirit of the ecumenical movement with the intention of being a forum for both clergy and lay persons. REACH became an incorporated 501(c)(3) in 2012. Meetings were held monthly at the Renton First United Methodist Church until 2007 when meeting locations began to rotate. Its first act of response to need in the community was to lobby the Renton City government to put a bus line in from apartments in the Talbot Hill area to markets in downtown Renton. Projects have included:
Friendly Kitchen: 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 when Honeydew School was redeveloped, and the space was no longer available for a community meal. The Friendly Kitchen donated their accumulated resources to the REACH Center of Hope when it opened. ARISE (Area of Renton Interfaith Shelter Endeavor): In 2004 a REACH task force designed and implemented a shelter 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. Crop Walk: Since 1983 REACH has hosted and sponsored the annual Renton CROP hunger walk. 25% of the total raised stays in Renton to support feeding programs. Center of Hope: Opened in 2013 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. Currently we are located at the Renton Highlands Park and Neighborhood Center. REACH Meal Coalition: In 2013 REACH convened a group to explore consolidation of how meals are provided to the homeless population in Renton. In 2015 REACH took over 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. |