In early 2004, Margaret Thomas approached the Justice, Peace, and Environment Committee at Village Presbyterian Church to ask for their participation in the Shawnee Mission East Earth Fair in April of that year. Jerry Rees, Chuck Gillam, Jennifer Byer, and Christine Caseres collaborated on the event and decided to continue meeting afterward using the name SMEEFF (Shawnee Mission East Earth Fair Folk).

After some months of meeting, the group renamed itself the Sustainable Sanctuary Coalition and became incorporated as a 501C(3) non-profit organization. The Board of Directors consisted of: Terry Wiggins, Jerry Rees, Christine Caseres, and Margaret Thomas. The mission of the group was to promote earth care among faith communities.

The group has continued to meet monthly through the years and carry out its activities. The membership has grown significantly and includes some 25 to 30 individuals from Kansas City area congregations. Although most of the participation is from Christian denominations, the organization is actively seeking involvement from other faith groups.