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Our Community
Being human, you’re either hungry right now or will be hungry soon.
Every person that comes through our doors has a deep and winding story. That’s why judgement is not in our job description.
When we come together around food, we discover that we’re not that different from one another. Each of us is looking for a place at the table.
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Quick Snapshot
Many shoppers come through our doors every week.
We aim to restore the dignity of those who are most marginalized in our society. Even if you have little in material goods, you still have something incredibly important to give to others.
Children
1/3 are children, roughly 70% from single parent households.
Those on a fixed income
One quarter are socially-isolated, elderly, veterans, or those with a disability.
UnderEmployed Adults
Roughly 2/3 of families are underemployed with an average monthly income of $1,300 per month.
Those in Crisis
Homeless or those suffering mental illness and/or addiction.
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Our Volunteers
Our volunteers are from all over the broader Milwaukee community.
Though many volunteers come through our doors looking to help, our community reminds them that they are also in need. We aim to create a space for relationships to flourish so that our volunteers may receive something life changing. The goal is for our volunteers to see themselves in kinship with our shoppers. In this, the giver becomes the receiver.
Children
We are inspired by the many children who volunteer and run lemonade stands, guitar concerts, and birthday food drives to support our mission!
Churches & Schools
Six years ago, the senior class of Whitefish Bay High School was so inspired by their volunteer work, they started a food drive that annually raises over 7,000 pounds of food!
Corporations & Groups
Corporations, local businesses, and small groups often volunteer, start food drives, or begin fundraisers to help support their neighbors.
And so many more!
From college students to families… everyone is welcome! Interested in encountering our community and being transformed? Learn more about volunteering or about starting your own food drive!
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Stories of Kinship
Everyone gives. Everyone receives.
“We embrace and promote Kinship’s philosophy of both giving and receiving with sincerity and generosity.”
“Kinship has helped with rides, getting me to the hospital, helping me with my kids, getting them to their appointments, it’s just outstanding.”
“I receive so much more. I receive this wonderful sense of belonging. Truly it is very, very important.”
“You guys don’t understand what you’re giving people when you give them the opportunity to volunteer.”
“I had nothing. I was afraid I was going to get kicked out of my apartment or starve to death. At Kinship, everybody here was all-hands-on deck for me.”
“I’ve gotten so much help. That’s why I want to be part of this, because this is a way I can give back.”
“You get to know people over time and just as with a family you share ups and downs, joys and sorrows.”
“There is something intangible, but tangible, that is here. It's a spirit thing-- it's a human to human connection.”
“Sometimes you just need somebody to believe in you, no matter what you’ve been through.”
“Being here has reshaped how I view the world. It has opened my eyes to food insecurity and poverty in my neighborhood.”
“You begin to realize that by giving your life to others, you actually become more alive.”
“We are not coming to just get food, we are coming to spend time with the friends that feel like family.”
“The women who have volunteered regularly with me have become very close and I can't see myself volunteering without them.”
“Anybody’s life can be rehabilitated. But you need people listening and support. Rolling up your sleeves getting involved.”
“I understand what it’s like to be alone. So, when people come here... I pull up a chair and sit next to them.”
“I pulled up for food and you asked me, ‘How’s the housing situation?’ I looked over and almost started crying. It’s been such a blessing.”
“People who are coming to get food are just like everyone else, they have something to give as well.”