Every bed makes it possible for hundreds of lives to be touched by God’s love. On a cold, wet night here in Portland, a warm comfortable bed is a God-send for most of the people we see each day – like Robin. “I woke up in the morning freezing cold and wet. Someone stole my…
Read MoreA note from Eric Bauer (Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission) … My oldest son left for college this fall. Though he won’t be around our family table during the holidays, it’s good to know he’ll have Thanksgiving with friends and relatives on the other side of the United States. It’s nice to have a…
Read More“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 MoreEnjoying a meal down at the Burnside Shelter does wonders for people who are experiencing homelessness. In fact, for many people that are struggling, it’s that hot meal that is one of the only things that sustains them, giving them that one constant in a life filled with uncertainty. It also does something special for…
Read MoreA note from Eric Bauer (Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission) … You’re probably already making plans for Thanksgiving. Family, friends, great memories and fun-filled events. At Portland Rescue Mission, we’re in the middle of big plans, too. We want to make this Thanksgiving season extra special for thousands of hurting people right here in…
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…
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