From Jan, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: We now have a short history with Audrey. She has been a regular visitor at our Monday evening outreach meetings for homeless women. We always know she’s coming as we hear her chattering voice before we see her. Though Audry is young, she is a veteran…
Read MoreFrom Holly, a staff member of Portland Rescue Mission: Last winter, we received a bag of donated tulip bulbs. In February, a few of our staff planted them at Shepherd’s Door, our women and children’s recovery center. We lovingly dug holes, added fertilizer, watered them and covered them over with compost and soil. We provided…
Read MoreLife 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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