Portland Rescue Mission (PRM) is thrilled to announce that Timothy Desper, Director of Burnside Services, has been honored with the 2025 Business Leader Award from the Oregon Governor’s Occupational Safety & Health (GOSH) Conference. This award recognizes Timothy’s unwavering commitment to safety, health, and wellness at PRM’s Burnside Shelter, where he has worked for 17 years to create a safer, more secure environment for guests and staff alike.
Timothy has implemented transformative safety measures at the Burnside Shelter, including a pioneering overdose alert system that has already saved multiple lives. This innovative system ensures quick intervention for individuals experiencing overdoses, demonstrating Timothy’s forward-thinking approach to crisis prevention. His leadership also led to major facility upgrades, such as installing secure key card entry points and safety glass, making PRM’s facilities a national model for security in homeless services.
“Timothy’s dedication to safety has changed how we serve our community,” said PRM Director of Advancement Dallas Lange. “His work protects our guests and builds trust and dignity in the process.”
Timothy’s influence extends beyond PRM. He shapes best practices in homeless services and inspires fellow leaders to prioritize safety in their organizations. Portland Rescue Mission proudly celebrates his well-deserved recognition and continued impact in serving those experiencing homelessness.
To learn more about Timothy’s overdose prevention system, visit NBC: KGW News 8
Link to the OSHA Press Release: Workplace health and safety leaders, programs, and organizations honored at Oregon GOSH Conference