I 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 MoreRecovery is a journey, and one that takes time—A journey in trusting again, in surrendering, in persevering. Each man and woman in our New Life Recovery program will probably tell you that the journey isn’t easy, but so worth it––worth becoming the new person they are today. Leslie* shared this letter recently with the…
Read MoreOur award winning flavor his hitting the road! Come try some of our mouth-watering, sweet-spicy Mission Bar-B-Que. Our barbecue is cooked to perfection using a 19-step, two-day process used in competition. We’ve done the hard work. All you need to do is order a plate at our food truck, and it will be served…
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 MoreNo one expects to become homeless. The truth is, homelessness can happen to anyone.* Clara, at 87 years old, received a notice of a 62% rent increase, pricing her out of housing. “When she got the notice, thankfully I was there. She just broke down,” said her daughter Vena. “She lived there a long…
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…
Read MoreThe show was sold out, but nobody responded. The character on stage asked again, “Does anybody have a 20 dollar bill?” Jonathan put his hand up in the air, holding the exact amount. What happened next, Jon never would have imagined, but perhaps that’s what you should expect at a magic show—the unexpected. Next moment…
Read MoreThe recent snowfall and below-freezing temperatures have increased people’s awareness of Portland’s homeless. We’ve seen many individuals and organizations generously step up, supplying the Mission with hats, coats, blankets, and even pizza… “A woman called the front desk at Burnside the morning of our big snow storm last week. She immediately identified herself as Liberty…
Read MoreIn this winter season, we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of countless individuals and businesses that have partnered with us, bringing light and hope to the men, women and children in our programs. One great example is the direct mail production company, AKA Direct. In addition to sponsoring our recent telethon events, they also…
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…
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