It started to rain. A small tree above me, branches spread wide, helped to slow down the soaking that had already begun as cold water covered my blue sleeping bag. I didn’t care. Inside was warm and dry and I wanted to enjoy this moment of rest. Now I knew. I knew how valuable a…
Read MoreWhen you are on the streets your hair gets dirty and greasy, matted and messy. Everyone needs a haircut, and our friends on the streets are no exception. At Portland Rescue Mission, we exist to give hope and restore life to…
Read MoreBeing caught in the storms of addiction and homelessness can make for a rough ride, and the recovery journey is no exception. For men at The Harbor, our 12-month New Life Ministry at Portland Rescue Mission, this recovery journey is also one of the most challenging things they’ve ever had to navigate. That’s where Rosie…
Read MoreFreedom 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 MoreSix months ago, Stewart was homeless, lost and hurting. He came to our Burnside Shelter for meals and was grateful for everything the Mission provided – restrooms, shelter, socks, toiletries and mail service. But he didn’t expect an art class. Every Thursday afternoon, our Guest Care Center offers an open workshop with free art supplies…
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 MoreIf you have a genuine compassion for people in need and you’re seeking a job you can be passionate about, then you’re the perfect candidate to join the team at Portland Rescue Mission as the Women’s Connect Night Associate! Connect is our three-month program that’s designed to help both men and women transition quickly from…
Read MoreMel Hoffman and his wife, Janice, appreciate a good adventure. And as outdoor enthusiasts, they were ready to find something they could not only drive on those adventures, but would add an element of fun and excitement that would also make an impact in other ways as well. Mel bought a convertible from Drive Away…
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 More