Since 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has been tirelessly committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and despair in the lives of hurting people in need. This is done by a group of highly relational, Christ-centered, joyful servants comprised of 90 staff and 887 volunteers who shine a light by providing the following;
Eric Bauer has served as Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission since 2006. During this time, he has led the complete reorganization and growth of this $11M/year ministry which provides a wide range of services to thousands of men, women, and children suffering from hunger, homelessness, and addictions.
Prior to Portland Rescue Mission, Eric oversaw the revitalization of a rescue mission in Walla Walla, Washington where he served 10 years as Executive Director. While there, he also served five years on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Homelessness for the State of Washington.
In the first 15 years of his career, Eric worked as an engineer engaged in proprietary technology development which included taking new products to the marketplace. He also provided business development consulting to technology-based companies in various locations on the West Coast.
Eric holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University.
Born in Eugene, Eric is a native Oregonian. He and his wife, Ruth, share a passion for cultivating highly-relational, Christ-centered cultures in nonprofits that provide transformational services for people struggling on the margins of society. They have two adult sons and enjoy spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Eric Bauer
Executive Director
Bill Meadowcroft
Chief Operating Officer
Mike Deckon
Director of Marketing
Erin Holcomb
Director of Staff Ministry
Dallas Lange
Director of Engagement
Timothy Desper
Director of Burnside Services
Janet Fraser
Director of Women and Children’s Ministry
Bryan Fowler
Director of Men’s Ministry
Phil Odella
Chair
Jim Southwick
Vice-Chair
Diana Knous
Secretary
Tim Lang
Rob Marvin