Few of us know what it feels like to sleep outside in the rain, the cold and sometimes even the snow. Don knows exactly what that feels like. “I’ll never forget the first night out on the street that I was homeless. I had just cardboard that I pulled up around me and made a little…
Read MoreAt our 9th annual Birthday Party for the Homeless, guests grabbed their snorkeling gear at the photo booth and dove into an underwater-themed party at The Burnside Shelter. Portland Rescue Mission values this day as one of the many opportunities we take to make sure guests feel celebrated and valued–– through a party, meal, card,…
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 MoreShe’s Back! Singer-performer-philanthropist, and Oregon’s beloved Miss America, recently filmed two new commercials for Portland Rescue Mission. Katie Harman has been an advocate and friend of Portland Rescue Mission for years. Harman has starred in a number of commercials promoting Drive Away Hunger, the car sales and donation program of Portland Rescue Mission. We…
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 MorePortland Rescue Mission exists to give hope 24/7 days a week, 365 days a year to everyone who walks through our doors. But on one day in particular we have a little extra fun! At our annual Birthday Party for the Homeless, many of our guests will have their birthday celebrated for the first time…
Read MoreLast 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…
Read MoreIt’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…
Read MoreIt’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…
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