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Stories of Hope

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL -Our Annual Report Video

Almost 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…

137 April 7th, 2017 0
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Like Waking Up -Anthony Finds Worth and Forgiveness Through Prayer

Soft 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…

121 April 4th, 2017 0
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Trusting Again- A Personal Recovery Story

  Recovery is a journey, and one that takes time—A journey in trusting again, in surrendering, in persevering. Each man and woman in our New Life Recovery program will probably tell you that the journey isn’t easy, but so worth it––worth becoming the new person they are today. Leslie* shared this letter recently with the…

122 March 7th, 2017 0
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Piff the Dragon works his magic, helping Portland Homeless

The show was sold out, but nobody responded. The character on stage asked again, “Does anybody have a 20 dollar bill?” Jonathan put his hand up in the air, holding the exact amount. What happened next, Jon never would have imagined, but perhaps that’s what you should expect at a magic show—the unexpected. Next moment…

132 January 27th, 2017 0
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Snow Day Pizza Surprise

The recent snowfall and below-freezing temperatures have increased people’s awareness of Portland’s homeless. We’ve seen many individuals and organizations generously step up, supplying the Mission with hats, coats, blankets, and even pizza… “A woman called the front desk at Burnside the morning of our big snow storm last week. She immediately identified herself as Liberty…

100 January 24th, 2017 0
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Defining Moments | A word from the Executive Director

Last 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…

125 January 9th, 2017 0
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“God, if you’re out there…” Brian’s heartfelt prayer helped set him free

It’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…

130 January 4th, 2017 0
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5 Reasons to Volunteer in the New Year

It’s almost the new year and we all know what that means: Everyone around us is thinking resolutions—eat better, workout more, get my dream job, travel, write. Portland Rescue Mission would like to add one more to your list. Visit Portland Rescue Mission as a volunteer! Without the faithful service of our compassionate and loving…

119 December 28th, 2016 0
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TALES FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE: A Peak Inside the Burnside Shelter

This is a season of remembering and giving thanks. One of our favorite ways to stop and celebrate at the Mission is by sharing “Glimmers”- short stories of hope that each of us encounter. Below are a collection of our recent favorites from the Burnside Shelter, shared by director Tim, and Guest Care Manager, Andrew.…

118 October 31st, 2016 0
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Harbor Graduates Share “Ah-Ha” Moments

We recently celebrated the graduation of three men from the New Life Recovery Program at The Harbor. At their graduation, these men shared some of the most significant moment’s from their journey of hope. Bradley Bradley thought he could do things on his own. “Before I came here, I fought everything of any consequence that…

127 October 12th, 2016 0
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