Women 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 MoreIt’s National Volunteer Appreciation week! The presence of our volunteers at Portland Rescue Mission is such an invaluable part of the work we do on a daily basis. This past year, our volunteers served over 25,000 hours at our various locations. If you’re considering volunteering, here are four reasons why you should join us! NO.…
Read MoreHeroes come in all ages and sizes. At Portland Rescue Mission, some of our biggest champions are second grade students at Oregon Episcopal School. With a heart to learn about their city and find the heroes making a change in Portland, several of the students wrote letters of gratitude to the staff at Portland Rescue…
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 MoreIt was raining hard. Drops hitting her face, muscles aching, Marianne thought to herself, “I can’t do this. I don’t want to keep running.” She stopped, her tears mixing with the rain. The commitment to run and to persevere at something goes much deeper than training for a 13-mile race, these women are in the…
Read MoreI heard a speaker recently who succinctly captured a deep truth behind much of what we do here at Portland Rescue Mission. “The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection.” There are many reasons a person might become homeless. But relational isolation is experienced by all, especially if addictions…
Read MoreThe night hours are some of the hardest for an addict. And at Portland Rescue Mission, our Night Ministry team sees this firsthand. Our Night Ministry staff faithfully intercedes as they provide a safe presence for the men and women in desperate need for shelter and healing. At both the Burnside Shelter and Shepherd’s Door, Night Ministry embodies both…
Read MoreSandi Patty, the most awarded female artist in Contemporary Christian Music, was coming through town. Traveling for her Forever Grateful Farewell Tour, she stopped in Portland to lead worship for her beloved fans one last time. Mission Bar-B-Que* staff had the honor of catering for her band and crew. Little did we know…
Read MoreThe motto and heartbeat of Melody’s Angels is, “Stay humble, be kind, and spread love.” Melody is a long time friend of Portland Rescue Mission, and more importantly, a friend to those we serve. You’ll find her serving a Sunday meal each month with a smile, greeting every guest at the Burnside Shelter. And she…
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