Being homeless in the summer is no vacation. For people living on the streets, life is a constant threat of dehydration, heat stroke, hunger, sickness and violence. There’s no rest, only survival. There’s little dignity, only despair. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we have a chance to meet these urgent needs and give hope…
Read MoreFor Marianne, the nighttime was especially difficult. “I felt lost, confused. I didn’t have much energy or desire to try to stop using drugs. I was in an unhealthy relationship. I was distant from my family. I didn’t have any hope. I didn’t really see myself being able to be a normal person.” …
Read MoreMaureen felt lost in her addiction. “I had legal issues, lost my job, had no way to support myself, and was nearly homeless,” she remembers. “I got involved in bad relationships that were abusive physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. I was looking for love in all the wrong places.” Then she…
Read MoreWe want to invite you to join our team of men and women who are passionate about what they do to restore the lives of hurting men, women and children in our city. Our staff at Portland Rescue Mission know why they are here. We asked several of them to share what keeps them coming…
Read MoreWhat do I do when approached by a man or woman facing homelessness? Should I give them money? You can donate to Portland Rescue Mission, where your money will go to provide the help and support men, women and children need to get off the streets. You can also create Care Kits to hand out…
Read MoreSummer at Shepherd’s Door means outdoor play, water parks and plenty of field trips for the children in the Family Life Ministry. “Some of the kids have never been to the zoo,” said Julie Popova, a teacher in the Family Life Center. We are making sure the children and families have plenty of fun…
Read MoreRoger loved baseball as a kid. He always wanted his dad to play with him, but that never happened, so Roger put the mitt down. Years later, while at The Harbor –The men’s New Life Recovery Program at Portland Rescue Mission–Roger was reflecting on his childhood: “I was missing my love for baseball,”…
Read MoreFew of us know what it feels like to sleep outside in the rain, the cold and sometimes even the snow. Don knows exactly what that feels like. “I’ll never forget the first night out on the street that I was homeless. I had just cardboard that I pulled up around me and made a little…
Read MoreAt our 9th annual Birthday Party for the Homeless, guests grabbed their snorkeling gear at the photo booth and dove into an underwater-themed party at The Burnside Shelter. Portland Rescue Mission values this day as one of the many opportunities we take to make sure guests feel celebrated and valued–– through a party, meal, card,…
Read MoreLife on the streets is dangerous for a woman. If a mother becomes homeless, she’s likely to lose custody of her children. A woman alone on the streets is almost certain to be victimized within the first few days. “Its hard out here on the streets. It’s scary. I’ve put my life in danger, sleeping…
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