Life on the streets is difficult. People die. Usually, few others notice. On April 2nd, Linda (known on the street as “River”) passed away from an overdose. A few days later, the staff at our Burnside Shelter offered a public memorial service for her. From Tony, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: It’s not…
Read MoreFrom Jan, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: My work day had been long with multiple meetings and many decisions to be made. As it came to a close, I so wanted to head to a warm, comfortable home. But I had made a commitment. A team of women was waiting for me to…
Read MoreFrom Dallas, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: As I was driving recently, I stopped at the light on NE Halsey and 102nd. On my left was a man holding a sign that read “Insult me for $1.00.” That man, Matt* had been a resident in our men’s New Life recovery program at one…
Read MoreFrom Holly, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: I have been haunted by a conversation I had with one of our guests recently, as he thanked me for the Christmas decorations that made the Burnside Shelter feel like home. Steven, a successful investment banker, has been homeless for the last 13 months. In November…
Read MoreFrom Daniel, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: TJ looks like any Californian college student, with a goatee and a clear complexion. He doesn’t fit the homeless man stereotype, but TJ has been homeless for months. He carries his life’s possessions around in a large pack — a gift from a homeless friend. TJ…
Read MoreFrom Jan, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: Maria* is a young woman whose husband died six months ago. As part of her process for working through her grief, she wrote a letter to God: Dear God, If I knew how I felt, I would tell you. But I don’t. Sometimes I’m sad, but…
Read MoreFrom Holly, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: On a recent Sunday morning, I rushed in late (as usual) to the church I attend. After I plopped into my normal, comfortable spot, I noticed a strong, foul odor filling the air and looked around me. A homeless gentleman sat behind me. His face…
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