Life 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…
Read MoreWarmer weather has finally come to Rose City! With school ending soon, and summer nearing, you may be in job search-mode. Did you know that Portland Rescue Mission is hiring? We are actively looking to hire people who are passionate about helping hurting men, women and children find hope and healing. We have several positions…
Read MoreIt’s National Volunteer Appreciation week! The presence of our volunteers at Portland Rescue Mission is such an invaluable part of the work we do on a daily basis. This past year, our volunteers served over 25,000 hours at our various locations. If you’re considering volunteering, here are four reasons why you should join us! NO.…
Read MoreAlmost 70 years after John Van Diest, our founder, served home-cooked soup to hungry people facing hard times, Portland Rescue Mission holds true to that first vision. Begin by meeting people’s most urgent needs. Show them that they matter, that they are loved by God. They are not alone. Then, as hope emerges in their…
Read MoreSoft morning light gently wakes Anthony from a restful sleep. “Good morning, God,” he whispers. “Thank you for the chance to live this day.” It’s been a year since Anthony stepped out of his old life. In the soothing cascade of a hot shower, he remembers the stark contrast of life on the streets. Showers…
Read MoreIt was raining hard. Drops hitting her face, muscles aching, Marianne thought to herself, “I can’t do this. I don’t want to keep running.” She stopped, her tears mixing with the rain. The commitment to run and to persevere at something goes much deeper than training for a 13-mile race, these women are in the…
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…
Read MoreShepherd’s Door is a community dedicated to restoring women and children who are in great need of healing from life crises and addiction. Our 12-month, Christ-centered residential program provides a safe, relational environment that is ideal for sustainable life restoration through integrated addiction recovery, life skills training and spiritual formation in a retreat-like setting. In…
Read MoreLast fall, America held its breath as the Chicago Cubs battled the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. After a 107-year drought, the Cubs emerged with a hard-won victory, breaking a century-old “curse” of loss. Even people who weren’t die-hard Cubs fans had to smile at their dramatic turn. It was a Disney movie feel-good…
Read MoreIt’s 3:00 a.m. and he’s wide awake. The cold, misty light of a street lamp casts a long shadow over a lonely park bench and Brian’s slumped silhouette. The city is sleeping, but there’s no way he can rest. Fear pierces his heart like the icy winter wind chilling his tense body. Regrets echo endlessly…
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