In a recent online poll, we asked people, “Why do you think most people are homeless?” — They are lazy.— They’ve lost a job and/or home due to economic pressure.— They are addicted to drugs or alcohol.— They have a mental disability.— They’ve experienced significant trauma/difficulties. 92% of responders believe that homelessness is generally caused…
Read MoreAlan came to our Burnside Shelter for a meal, but found something more through our Learning Center. Alan’s Story of Hope (Quicktime Version) Alan from pdxmission on Vimeo. Men like Alan are hungry for more than just a meal. They want a way back home. They want freedom from addiction and the root causes of…
Read MoreLife for any homeless person is difficult. But much more so for homeless women — a majority of whom experience dangers of violence and rape while on the streets. Last Saturday, Portland Rescue Mission provided a safe haven for around 75 of these hurting women at our Burnside Shelter. Volunteers from the Community of Adsideo…
Read MoreInterested in volunteering? Join us for our upcoming Partnership Overviews this month: Saturday, February 6th 9:30- 11:00 AM Burnside Shelter (111 W. Burnside, Portland) Thursday, February 18th 7:00-8:30 PM Shepherd’s Door (13207 NE Halsey, Portland) – Discover our approach to ending homelessness by healing its root causes– Learn more about the emergency services and long-term…
Read MoreMany homeless men and women watch their birthday come and go uncelebrated. But thanks to the generosity of Fred Meyer and your thoughtfulness, our homeless guests will know they’re not forgotten this year. On Wednesday, February 17th, we’ll throw a birthday party complete with gifts, cake, cards and colorful decorations. You can be a part…
Read MoreFrom the Good News PDX blog: A journey that ends on a Portland sidewalk [James] packed a bag and walked. He walked out on family, friends and the life that he built and headed south. He never really had a destination in mind. Few people in James’ place do. They just have to get away.…
Read MoreWhen Jennifer’s four children were taken from her, she was devastated. Jennifer’s Story of Hope (Quicktime Version) Jennifer from pdxmission on Vimeo.Most of us can’t imagine that kind of pain. But Jennifer didn’t give up. Thanks to you, Jennifer is finding help at Shepherd’s Door, the women and children’s ministry of Portland Rescue Mission. She’s…
Read MoreWhere would you sleep if you were homeless? — A park?— A bench?— A doorway? Leo found out just how difficult–and illegal–it can be for a homeless person to get rest. Exhaustion just makes it that much harder to escape a tough situation. From the Street Roots blog: http://streetroots.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/falling-asleep-unwanted-and-waking-up-a-wanted-man/ So I went looking for a…
Read MoreEach time we hand out clothing or toiletries to a homeless guest, it’s an opportunity for relationship. It’s a chance for us to learn their name, hear more of their story and point them to resources that will help restore them to an independent life. Your financial support and donations of practical items makes this…
Read MoreFrom Street Roots, I feel like a target—assualts on women run through Portland She is neatly dressed, wearing a clean pair of jeans, a sweater, and raincoat. At 47 years, her short hair is streaked white. Homeless for the first time in her life, C moved to Portland three years ago and worked for temping…
Read More