Most people know that Portland Rescue Mission gives hope to thousands of people in crisis by providing free hot meals, safe shelter, showers, clothing, mail service, 24/7 restrooms and chapel services. But that’s just the beginning! Hundreds of lives are transformed in our free residential New Life Ministries at The Harbor for men and at…
Read MoreInstead of a “summer break,” Sarah, a senior at Moody Bible College, invested her summer at Shepherd’s Door as a live-in intern. Sarah is studying Women’s Ministry. Interning here is “giving me a taste of fulltime ministry,” she said. “This gives me an opportunity to use what I’m gifted at and what I’ve…
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 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 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…
Read MoreWomen and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In addition to those already on the street, thousands are “couch-surfing” and considered just one step away from homelessness. “Its hard out here on the streets. Its scary. I’ve put my life in danger, sleeping under the bridge where there’s nobody there…
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 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…
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