“It’s painful to sleep outside,” Mike said as he ate breakfast at the Burnside Shelter. “Especially if you have a family.” At the time of the conversation, Mike had recently woke up from sleeping under the roof of Portland Rescue Mission, and was grateful to not be so “scatterbrained and uncomfortable” as he would have…
Read MoreThe Oregonian’s Anna Griffin posted a very somber story late last week. According to the 2014 edition of “Domicile Unknown,” a four-year-old accounting of deaths among people experiencing homelessness, an average of more than one person who was homeless and living on the streets died each week. In total, there were 56 deaths in Multnomah County. Throughout…
Read MoreA note from Eric Bauer (Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission) … Every year as Thanksgiving approaches, I think of the holiday meal that first brought a hurting man or woman to Portland Rescue Mission. A hot dinner that filled their stomach, but also stirred their heart. A smile from a volunteer, an encouraging word. .…
Read MoreHow will you spend World Homeless Action Day? October 10th marks the 5th annual World Homeless Action Day. Since it’s founding in 2010, this day has been observed in several dozen countries with the goal to raise awareness about homelessness as well as celebrate and support local efforts to care for men, women and…
Read MoreI heard a speaker recently who succinctly captured a deep truth behind much of what we do here at Portland Rescue Mission. “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” There are many reasons a person might become homeless. But relational isolation is experienced by all, especially if addictions are…
Read MoreFor Joanna, a consistent meal at Portland Rescue Mission changes everything. A meal can be a start to a changed life. At the Burnside Shelter, Joanna found more than food, she found her value as a person. Q: How would you describe what the Mission has done for you? A: “I’ve been helped greatly. You…
Read MoreLife transformation is one of the most exciting things to witness, and here at Portland Rescue Mission, it is something we are extremely passionate about. It is why our New Life Ministries exist along with our Hope and Pathway Ministries. We also love a good story—which is why we want to share one of our…
Read MoreAt Portland Rescue Mission, we love stories that warm our souls. If you’re a regular follower of our blog, you might remember a recent story about Donald Gould. Donald found his way off the streets after his musical talent got him discovered on the streets of Florida. In that process, he was also able to…
Read MoreFor most people, a shower is a modern convenience – a regular part of our routine we give only a momentary thought. For others, it’s a lifeline, and one of the only things that makes them feel human again. “For men and women looking to get and hold a job, reestablish ties with friends and families,…
Read MoreAlready this summer, we’ve been scorched by some long stretches of very hot days, including last week’s record-setting temperatures when it was well over 100 degrees! Sweltering heat hits hard for men, women and children already struggling without food and shelter. Not just the literal heat that comes with the rising summertime temperatures here in the Rose City, but financial heat…
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