Under One Roof 10th Anniversary

TEN YEARS OF FEEDING HOPE

A HISTORY OF UNDER ONE ROOF FOOD PANTRY

2026 – 2026

Under One Roof began many years ago as a small collection of canned goods gathered by the Women of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church to assist parish families in need. The pantry’s first home was a metal shelf unit in the church basement. Under the leadership of Anne Bashore, the collection grew into a small downstairs room where several volunteers opened the pantry weekly to serve families in crisis.

In 2015, St. Paul’s congregation launched a Vision Journey initiative to re-examine church priorities and set goals for the future. The planning process included a capital campaign to support future projects and led to several key decisions:

  • Expand the scope of the food pantry.
  • Demolish a two-car garage adjacent to the church and build a handicapped-accessible food pantry using funds from the Schwier Endowment.
  • Invite other churches involved with Maumee Churches United to join St. Paul’s in this ministry.
  • Work with partners to create a self-sustaining food pantry serving Maumee and surrounding communities.

Representatives from partner churches formed an Advisory Committee to guide the pantry’s development. The committee created a charter and by-laws as part of the process of attaining 501(c)(3) non-profit status. Current committee members include Calvary Church, Cass Road Baptist Church, First Church of Christ, Scientist, First Presbyterian Church, Mercy Health, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

After months of planning, Under One Roof Food Pantry officially opened its doors on Sunday, October 23, 2016, to serve individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

Over the past ten years, the pantry has continued to grow in both reach and impact. Its accomplishments include:

  • Growing its volunteer staff.
  • Establishing a vegetable and herb garden.
  • Increasing hours of operation.
  • Expanding community engagement.
  • Tripling the number of clients served.

We are grateful to our Under One Roof partners, our volunteers, St. Paul’s Vestry, and the many organizations and individuals whose generosity and commitment have contributed to the pantry’s success.