A strong meth and alcohol addiction robbed Casey of everything. He walked the streets of downtown Portland feeling lost and alone. And then he found the Burnside Shelter. Casey recently wrote us about his story, expressing gratitude for how we were there for him. “After continuously self-sabotaging my life and making a bad situation worse,…
Read MoreNicholas came out of the water feeling victorious. After thinking long and hard about who he is now, where he’s at in his journey and who he wants to be in the future, he made the decision: He was going to get baptized at Wi-Ne-Ma Camp. Life at The Harbor, our New Life Ministry for…
Read MoreSeven and a half months ago, before he ever walked through the doors at The Harbor, Patrick was an agnostic. For years, Patrick struggled with the idea of God. It was a confusing concept. For all that Patrick knew and learned throughout his life, he simply couldn’t define who God is. “Before I came to The…
Read MoreEric held a steady job most of his life. His life wasn’t perfect, but he was getting by. He certainly never expected to be homeless. Addiction crept over Eric slowly, a seemingly harmless habit that snaked its tendrils deep into his heart. By the time he noticed, the grip was too tight to escape on…
Read MorePortland Rescue Mission’s staff regularly share what we call “Glimmers of Hope,” stories of transformation and hope about the men, women and children we serve at the Mission. We want you to hear these stories too! Because of friends like you, we are able to give hope and restore life. Because of you, there are…
Read MoreXavier never dreamed that he’d end up homeless. But at age 13, life on the streets seemed easier than enduring more abuse at home. “It was scary, because you never know where your next meal’s going to come from. It was hunger pains. Not having clean clothes. It felt like hopelessness.” Along with the pain…
Read MoreI still love you A little over a year ago, Lisa was at her lowest. “I figured that nobody needed me anymore, nobody cared. So I decided to end my life. I was in a coma for three days.” Then, the God of second chances intervened. “While in my coma I literally heard God say,…
Read MoreTony’s work shoes “split wide open.” That was the final straw. After working out of his car for about three years at a McDonald’s in Bakersfield, California, it wasn’t losing his car, or even losing an apartment to bedbugs that did him in. It was the shoes. “I hit a couple of hiccups,” he said. “[After…
Read MoreIt’s noon on a Thursday at the Burnside Shelter. Thursdays are a good day. The Guest Care Center door is open and art and color and the sharing of life takes place. Step inside and you’ll meet Andrew and Erin. Both on staff at Portland Rescue Mission, the two wanted to create a place where…
Read MoreLittle things make a huge difference for the women in our Connect program. Often coming from very difficult situations, and incredibly challenging circumstances, the women at our Burnside Shelter find blessings in the unlikeliest of places. “Just sitting on a couch compared to a hard chair is a luxury,” Megan described. “A hot shower is…
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