Problems + Solutions

Reality In Numbers

6297

people are suffering from homelessness in Multnomah County.

3944

people are unsheltered in Multnomah County.

Oregon ranks first in the nation for the problem of substance use disorders.

Not Just About Housing

The roots of homelessness go deeper than just economics. Most of the hundreds of people we serve every day have deep emotional wounds and inadequate life skills, often due to very difficult upbringing or severe trauma. Despair and the absence of any positive relationships are normal.

I was dying in a cheap motel room absolutely filled with fear, without a friend in the world.
-Sherri

How Does Someone End Up Homeless?

According to the National Council for the Homeless, the leading causes of homelessness are economic:

Lack of affordable housing
Foreclosures
Lack of employment opportunities

But the roots of homelessness can go much deeper, including:

Trauma/Severe Loss
Family conflict/Breakup
Substance abuse disorder
Criminal history
Mental illness
Domestic abuse
Age out of foster care

I ate ants, whatever I could find crawling on the ground. I felt shameful and hopeless.
-Patrick

Homelessness Isolates

While there are many paths that lead to homelessness, loss of community and despair are common to them all.

Once you’re on the street, people look at you differently. I wasn’t a professional anymore. I’m not anyone’s friend. I’m nothing

-Don

Trusting relationships and a healthy community are necessary to successfully address the root causes of homelessness. That is why every service offered by Portland Rescue Mission is provided with a view to developing relationships and drawing people into a healthy community.

Portland Rescue Mission Transforms Lives

We provide the compassionate engagement and services necessary to meet people where they are and walk with them on a path towards a purposeful, self-sufficient life.

Portland Rescue Mission has been expressing the love of Christ to people suffering from hunger and homelessness for over 75 years. Emergency services are offered at our Burnside Shelter and transformational recovery services are offered at our NE Portland facilities.

Our Annual Impact

393673

Hot Nutritious Meals

73951

Nights of Shelter

133

Lives Impacted By Extended Shelter Programs

261

Lives Impacted by Comprehensive Recovery Program

Learn More About the Programs

Stories of Hope

Compassionate care and community instills hope and changes the lives of those who come to us in need.

Neiva's Story Other Stories of Hope Donate Now