Ways to Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities with the Portland Rescue Mission

The volunteer department at Portland Rescue Mission is a cutting edge, Christ-centered ministry. Our goal is to have highly trained, compassionate people who strive for excellence in their ministry. We offer ongoing training and a cooperative environment where everyone's ideas are important.

Volunteering at the Portland Rescue Mission may look a little different than you might initially think. We have six facilities that make up our ministry, each with a variety of opportunities for volunteers to be involved. We have opportunities for groups who want to serve just one time or individuals who want to volunteer for a committed amount of time!

Individuals Groups
Volunteer Staff
For mature followers of Christ looking to serve God through high impact volunteer ministry. 		Professional Partnership
For individuals with expertise and experience in a professional field that can complement the programs of Portland Rescue Mission.		 Church Partner
For groups from churches and Christian organizations who desire ongoing ministry opportunities.		 Community Involvement
For anyone who would like to serve in our organization and can work under our leadership, regardless of faith. Ideal for short term opportunities.
Volunteer Stories Top ten volunteer needs

If you or your group would like to make an impact at Portland Rescue Mission, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming Partnership Overviews (formerly "Prospective Volunteer Introduction"). At this meeting we will introduce you to the variety of ministries throughout Portland Rescue Mission and how you can become involved.

UPCOMING PARTNERSHIP OVERVIEWS

Date Time Location
Saturday, August 2nd 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Burnside Shelter
Thursday, August 21st 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Shepherd's Door
Saturday, September 6th 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Burnside Shelter
Thursday, September 18th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Shepherd's Door

For groups interested in coming, only the leader must come, though we welcome all who wish to attend.

If you would like any additional information please feel free to contact us at 503.906.7697 or volunteer@pdxmission.org.

If you would like to tell us more about yourself or receive more information on volunteering at the Portland Rescue Mission, fill out our online volunteer interest form.

10 Ideas for Helping a Homeless Person

  1. Anticipate the opportunity and be prepared.

  2. Smile and actually say hello. Show respect. It gives dignity.

  3. Engage the person. Don't ignore them. Ask what their greatest need is. If money, what will they do with it? Think creatively about how to help.

  4. Offer an alternative. Carry with you inexpensive healthy food items like granola bars or fruit snacks.

  5. Carry public transportation (www.trimet.org) tickets and encourage them to get to Portland Rescue Mission for food, shelter and other immediate needs (Skidmore Fountain stop).

  6. Keep water bottles in your car and offer a refreshing drink.

  7. Go out of your way to approach them rather than crossing the street to avoid them.

  8. Afterward, be sure to pray for both their physical needs as well as their spiritual hunger.

  9. Be tender, ready to share hope and encouragement. Carry tracts if that's useful.

  10. Print out our coupons and carry them with you. Tape them to a snack bar or water bottle. Tell the person that you support Portland Rescue Mission so that their needs will be met.