Organization History
Learn more About us
Who We Are
Lord’s Daily Bread (LDB) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to feeding the homeless. Scroll down for Organization History.
Mission
LDB’s primary purpose is to meet the immediate and tangible needs of people experiencing homelessness in the Denver Metro area. We have shown our commitment to this purpose for more than 30 years by serving food every weekend, getting to know people, showing them love, referring them to necessary services, and guiding many out of homelessness.
Who We Serve
We serve community members who are experiencing homelessness due to a variety of reasons, including physical and mental health challenges, disability, economic disadvantage, substance abuse and domestic violence. They comprise a variety of ages, races, ethnicities and backgrounds and include many veterans. We provide services to anyone who requests assistance.
What We Do
We provide food and respectful, reliable services to meet clients’ basic needs, helping them navigate paths to self-sufficiency. We do this through developing partnerships with local retailers who donate to our organization. This includes financial contributions as well as in-kind donations: personal care products, clothing and, primarily, food, which we then transport to feeding locations and distribute to the people who need it.
Normally, meals are served every Wednesday and Saturday in downtown Denver and once a month in Aurora. (When on-site feedings are not possible due to pandemic restrictions, we deliver to homeless shelters.) We also provide mobile and emergency food service to some older adults and individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. In 2020, LDB provided 38,300 no-cost meals and provided more than 87,000 referrals to emergency shelters, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling and other services. All this is done with a bare-bones paid staff of 7 and 20-24 volunteers.
Well Known on the Streets
Since its inception, LDB has become well known on the streets as the organization that cares. Our unique model recruits volunteers and employs former participants whose backgrounds include homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges, and other experiences often associated with homelessness. This community-informed approach increases the likelihood of participant engagement and follow-through on referred services.
Community Support
Many community partners make it possible for Lord’s Daily Bread to carry out its mission.
IN-KIND DONATIONS from Safeway, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and the City Harvest Food Program, including Chick-fil-A and Colorado Eddie V’s.
GRANTS from the Denver Foundation, Colorado COVID Relief Fund, Cardel Homes, First Plymouth Foundation, Albertson’s and Safeway Foundation, Denver Emergency Food Relief Fund, and the Colorado Food Pantry.
OTHER LDB partners with the Denver Rescue Mission, Denver Senior Center, and St. Francis Center to distribute meals during dangerously inclement weather or when pandemic restrictions prevent in-person feedings.
COVID’S Impact on Homelessness in Metro Denver
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people experiencing homelessness across the Denver metro area. Due to the need for social distancing during the pandemic, many local centers serving people experiencing homelessness closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, increasing hunger among this population. Continuing homeless sweeps by City and County of Denver law-enforcement have further limited the community’s access to reliable food and shelter, and although many LDB clients have vouchers to stay in hotels, they cannot use this resource to purchase food, masks, gloves, or other critical needs. LBD’s Emergency Hunger Relief Program provides lifesaving meals to those in need.
Board of Directors
Kristal Bernert
J.D., C.P.A. Attorney at Law
Courtney Samuels
Executive and Computer Software Tech for TIAA-CREF
Russell Bryant, IIt
CEO & Founder, Lord’s Daily Bread
Russell Bryant, IIt
President, RPB Enterprises (Investment Banker)
Trent Martinet
Nonprofit Lawyer with Davis Graham & Stubbs
Vernell Love
Retired Counselor and Pastor
John Schuster
President of American Train Co.
Deep Roots
Lord’s Daily Bread (LDB) and its founder, Russell Bryant, have deep roots in Denver. Mr. Bryant served as president of the John Phillips Printing Company in Park Hill for many years. In 1990 he began using his personal financial resources to help the homeless meet their basic life needs through providing social and human services in the heart of the city. His faith ignited his passion to give back, and he found purpose in offering hope in the tangible form of food to the poor and disadvantaged. His enthusiasm attracted volunteers, and soon, a one-man mission transformed into a diverse program. The organization was awarded nonprofit standing in 2002.
LDB's work is guided by the spiritual principles of serving and supporting others. However, religious affiliation is not a prerequisite to receiving services. There is no discrimination and anyone is welcome. LDB offers support to all those who request it. Some clients become regulars, others simply pass through.
LDB Recognized
In 2015, Lord's Daily Bread was recognized for its role in the Denver Mayor’s 10-year plan to end homelessness. Bennie Milliner, Executive Director of Denver’s Road Home, said:
Russell and LDB have developed an impressive group of supporters, from volunteers to local businesses that contribute time, talent, and treasure to help meet the needs. His ability to develop these collaborations is a significant reason the work of LDB has continued for more than 20 years. They are truly a purveyor of hope, making a difference in many lives. These partnerships have evolved into the ability to deliver food, clothing and hygiene products to those in need. Additionally, LDB goes another step beyond. LDB works to make appropriate referrals to community agencies, encouraging and challenging those they serve to address tough issues such as addiction and mental health challenges.
Taking a New Step
LDB is excited to launch a capital campaign to open a community center to comprehensively meet the needs of Denver's homeless population. This will be open for 10-12 hours per day and will be a place where we can offer feedings as well as referrals for mental health, substance abuse, jobs, housing, etc. Please join LDB in this project to transform lives and restore hope and dignity with a donation.