Freedom and independence … it’s what this time of year is all about when we celebrate the Fourth of July. And for the many men and women that come through our New Life Ministry at The Harbor (for men) or Shepherd’s Door (for women and children) and graduate from the program, that means freedom and…
Read MoreWe don’t always know what we need. But we usually know what we want. Men and women like Bradley, our featured story in our 2016 Summer Newsletter, want more than anything to their agony. Usually, long before people become homeless, they experience loss and trauma. In a desperate attempt to deal with the pain, they turn…
Read MoreBradley laughed at the dark irony. For the last 30 years, he justified his growing addiction with the shallow, comforting thought. “I might be an alcoholic. But no matter how bad it gets, I won’t be living in a tent or under a bridge.” But he was wrong. Walking out of the hotel with just a…
Read MoreSix years ago, John received the one phone call he never thought he’d get. It was his son. Even though John had abandoned him years before, his son reached out, desiring reconciliation in their relationship. John’s son wasn’t going to give up on his dad. Even while the days and years passed by, he continued to believe…
Read MoreXavier was finished with failure. His whole life had been filled with it, and he knew that if he were going to ever stop perpetuating the cycle of brokenness, fear and destruction in his life, it would have to be now. No more excuses. Xavier was desperate for something different in his life. “From the…
Read MoreMelissa lived a life of chaos. Before coming to Shepherd’s Door, she was heartbroken, overwhelmed and confused about who she was and what sort of value her life had. “I came in here with a lot of baggage, and I really had to be willing to let go of it all,” Melissa explained. “I wanted…
Read MoreEric has always had big feet. In fact, for as long as he can remember, finding a pair of shoes that fit his size 15 feet has been nearly impossible … or so it seemed. So, in response, Eric decided to take a proactive approach and set his sights on a little writing project. Since…
Read MoreOur women at Shepherd’s Door are courageous, especially our moms. It’s one thing to spend a year investing in your health, life and recovery as a single person, but it can take even more work and determination to come with your children and to seek hope and a restored life for your family. We at…
Read MoreOur staff regularly share with one another amazing stories of how our men and women find hope and a restored life. Around Portland Rescue Mission, we call these stories “Glimmers.” Here’s a couple recent Glimmers from The Harbor and Shepherd’s Door. Repairs God knows how to repair broken relationships. John, a participant in our New…
Read MoreTwice the meals. Twice the care. Twice the HOPE! Thanks to your support, hundreds of hurting people are touched by Portland Rescue Mission every day – men, women and children who look to us for help in desperate times. You help provide the essentials of life – hot meals, safe shelter, friendship and the first…
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