Few of us know what it feels like to sleep outside in the rain, the cold and sometimes even the snow. Don knows exactly what that feels like. “I’ll never forget the first night out on the street that I was homeless. I had just cardboard that I pulled up around me and made a little…
Read MoreAt the beginning of May, I spent the day at the Burnside shelter, celebrating our guests. It was our annual Birthday Party for the Homeless. The dining hall was decorated in bright colors, and every guest was receiving cards. Near the end of the evening, a guest looked up from their birthday card and asked,…
Read MoreIt’s National Volunteer Appreciation week! The presence of our volunteers at Portland Rescue Mission is such an invaluable part of the work we do on a daily basis. This past year, our volunteers served over 25,000 hours at our various locations. If you’re considering volunteering, here are four reasons why you should join us! NO.…
Read MorePortland Rescue Mission exists to give hope 24/7 days a week, 365 days a year to everyone who walks through our doors. But on one day in particular we have a little extra fun! At our annual Birthday Party for the Homeless, many of our guests will have their birthday celebrated for the first time…
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 MoreWith compassion, integrity and respect as core values, Adventist Health has been delivering whole-person care to the residents of Portland for over 120 years. “We believe that in order for a person to really meet their fullness, it takes body, mind, and soul,” said Executive Director of Mission Integration, Dr. Terry Johnsson. “That includes taking care…
Read MoreIt’s almost the new year and we all know what that means: Everyone around us is thinking resolutions—eat better, workout more, get my dream job, travel, write. Portland Rescue Mission would like to add one more to your list. Visit Portland Rescue Mission as a volunteer! Without the faithful service of our compassionate and loving…
Read MoreHarsh winter conditions are especially detrimental for men and women living outside. “Being homeless is beyond difficult, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. But being homeless during the winter can be deadly,” said Guest Care Manager Andrew Hall. Life becomes all about survival for men and women on the streets. “I remember walking…
Read MoreLuna has black curly hair, peppered with grey. She has four legs and is 67 pounds of pure love. Luna is a therapy dog. And not just any therapy dog, she is a golden doodle (half poodle and half retriever). Her highlights of the week is going with her owner, Judy, to visit the the…
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