Birthdays are meant to be joyful—a time to celebrate life, receive warm wishes, and be surrounded by people who care. But for many of the men and women experiencing homelessness in our community, birthdays can be a painful reminder of isolation: no cake, no gifts, no texts, no family to acknowledge their day. At Portland Rescue Mission, we know that homelessness is more than just a lack of shelter—it is a profound struggle with loneliness and loss of dignity.
That’s why we partnered with Adventist Health Portland a couple of weeks ago to throw a one-of-a-kind party: a Birthday Bash for All. Together, we offered dignity, joy, and love to those who need it most. It was a heartfelt effort to show our homeless neighbors they are seen, valued, and worthy of celebration.
Every guest was welcomed with warmth and enthusiasm. They played games, received gifts, captured the moment at our photo booth, and, most importantly, heard the words “Happy Birthday” from people who genuinely care.
Recovery and renewal happen in the context of community. At Portland Rescue Mission, healing is possible when people feel loved, accepted, and supported. By creating a space where birthdays are honored, we affirm the worth of every person who walks through our doors—and builds a friendship that opens the door to show them a way out of homelessness, not just on this day, but every day of the year.
A heartfelt thank you to our sponsor, Adventist Health Portland, for partnering on the mission to live out God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness, and hope.
To our donors: your generosity and compassion make these practical opportunities to show God’s love possible. You are making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.
To our guests: You matter. You are loved. Your life is worth celebrating.
If you’d like to support events like this or learn more about how Portland Rescue Mission serves those in need, visit www.PortlandRescueMission.org.