Walking alongside women participating in our New Life Recovery program at Shepherd’s Door is a privilege unlike any other. It’s even more of a privilege to witness them after twelve-plus months of deep and intense work. As a growth leader, I have the opportunity to invest in women who choose to stay beyond their initial…
Read MoreCharlie’s Role in Guiding Troy Towards a New Chapter of Recovery As a Growth Counselor, my role is to walk alongside each man on his journey to recovery, helping him build a foundation for lasting change. It starts with guiding them through the emotional turbulence that often accompanies early recovery. Once they’ve stabilized, we create…
Read MoreFrom Lost to Found Annette’s Path to Independence Annette first reached out to the Mission in 2023. Having lived on the streets, Annette was finally at a place where she would feel safe and obtain the support needed to overcome years of trauma and addiction. “I prayed to God to please guide me where I…
Read MoreWe’re excited to announce 2024 Fall Newsletter has been released! We believe this newsletter is a great way to stay connected and informed, and we hope you find it both engaging and valuable. To read the full newsletter, click the button below. Enjoy! Read Our Fall Newsletter Thank you for your continued support and engagement.…
Read MoreBeing 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 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 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…
Read MoreDrive by the west end of the Burnside Bridge any morning and evening, and you’ll likely see hundreds of men and women lined up to get a good hot meal at the Mission. For me, that sight is full of heartbreak and hope. I grieve to see so many people suffering in desperate situations. Yet I’m…
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