Bread of Life History
January 1939
After nine months of starting Bread of Life, Mavel Sherman asked Jennie Conrad to take over as the Director. Jennie agreed and accepted the position in October 1939. She served in that position for the next 35 years. Ms. Conrad began her social work with the Salvation Army and worked throughout the United States before she came to Seattle. During her time at Bread of Life, she met and married Jack O’Hara, a new Christian who came to the BOLM looking for assistance. He was eventually ordained as a minister and served as Bread of Life’s co-Director for eighteen years.
October 1939
Jennie and Rev. Jack O’Hara purchased a home in 1942 that was a subsidiary of the Bread of Life and a place for participants in the program to live during in their rehabilitation. A building committee was appointed in 1944. The committee stepped out in faith by making a payment of $1,000 for the building on the corner of 1st Ave and South Main, which remains the present home of the Bread of Life. Bread of Life drew financial support from three principal sources–rent from the hotel rooms in the building, offerings at Bread of Life’s services, and donations from sponsors.
1942-1945
While building and maintaining Bread of Life’s programs, the first recorded board meeting was March 15th, 1945 and began with three board members.
1945-2023
Bread of Life continues to be a beacon of hope, providing a bed, food, clothing, and a safe environment for those who are in need. Bread of Life reaches beyond the physical needs by offering an opportunity to make a life-changing decision to accept Jesus Christ. Bread of Life is interdenominational and is supported entirely by individuals, churches, businesses, and foundations that believe in giving hope to Seattle’s homeless. The mission is an integral part of the historic Pioneer Square district in downtown Seattle and partners with many local organizations to bring improvements to the whole community.
2024-2025
Bread of Life Mission acquired a new building that will service more people experiencing homelessness. More details will be available soon.
Present Day
Bread of Life recently established a new Life Path Program. We provide an opportunity for those we serve to find life transformation through 8 steps which are undergirded by Discipleship and Christian community.