Life on the streets is dangerous for a woman. If a mother becomes homeless, she’s likely to lose custody of her children. A woman alone on the streets is almost certain to be victimized within the first few days. “Its hard out here on the streets. It’s scary. I’ve put my life in danger, sleeping…
Read MoreWomen and children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. In addition to those already on the street, thousands are “couch-surfing” and considered just one step away from homelessness. “Its hard out here on the streets. Its scary. I’ve put my life in danger, sleeping under the bridge where there’s nobody there…
Read MoreAlmost 70 years after John Van Diest, our founder, served home-cooked soup to hungry people facing hard times, Portland Rescue Mission holds true to that first vision. Begin by meeting people’s most urgent needs. Show them that they matter, that they are loved by God. They are not alone. Then, as hope emerges in their…
Read MoreWe know you like Mission Bar-B-Que. “I like that you get it really fast. I like that they have it already made, its hot, it comes right out. So if you are on a short lunch hour you get it really fast you don’t have to wait for it and its just wonderful. It is…
Read MoreIt was raining hard. Drops hitting her face, muscles aching, Marianne thought to herself, “I can’t do this. I don’t want to keep running.” She stopped, her tears mixing with the rain. The commitment to run and to persevere at something goes much deeper than training for a 13-mile race, these women are in the…
Read MoreI 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 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 MoreYou are energized by helping others. You are a detailed person with a can-do attitude. You thrive in a creative and fast-paced environment. You find joy serving God through ministry to the poor and hurting. Sound like you? You may be the perfect fit as our Office Coordinator. The Receptionist/Office Coordinator manages all aspects…
Read MoreLast fall, America held its breath as the Chicago Cubs battled the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. After a 107-year drought, the Cubs emerged with a hard-won victory, breaking a century-old “curse” of loss. Even people who weren’t die-hard Cubs fans had to smile at their dramatic turn. It was a Disney movie feel-good…
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