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Stories from Staff

AT THE HEART OF IT ALL -Our Annual Report Video

Almost 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…

98 April 7th, 2017 0
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Singer Sandi Patty Raves About Mission-Bar-B-Que

  Sandi 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…

123 February 17th, 2017 0
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Snow Day Pizza Surprise

The recent snowfall and below-freezing temperatures have increased people’s awareness of Portland’s homeless. We’ve seen many individuals and organizations generously step up, supplying the Mission with hats, coats, blankets, and even pizza… “A woman called the front desk at Burnside the morning of our big snow storm last week. She immediately identified herself as Liberty…

84 January 24th, 2017 0
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Defining Moments | A word from the Executive Director

Last 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…

89 January 9th, 2017 0
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Executive Director Eric Bauer: Why Don’t They Help Themselves?

Drive by the west end of the Burnside Bridge any morning and evening, and you’ll likely see hundreds of men and women lined up to get a good hot meal at the Mission. For me, that sight is full of heartbreak and hope. I grieve to see so many people suffering in desperate situations. Yet I’m…

84 September 30th, 2016 0
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Experience a day in the life of Portland Rescue Mission

Take a tour of our facilities, all from the comfort of your own home! You may be surprised. Many people think we are a soup kitchen, but Portland Rescue Mission functions as a multi-facility program that serves men, women and children facing addiction, homelessness and hopelessness. Since 1949 Portland Rescue Mission has been giving hope…

102 September 15th, 2016 0
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How does it feel to be homeless in Portland?

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…

77 July 15th, 2016 1
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Help love and support the women in our Connect program (job openings)

If 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…

94 June 24th, 2016 0
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Support women and children at Shepherd’s Door through advocacy (job openings)

At Portland Rescue Mission, one of the greatest joys we get to experience is watching women suffering from homelessness and addiction transform their lives into something new and beautiful at Shepherd’s Door. It’s one of the most exciting and inspiring things that happen at the Mission. And as a staff member at Shepherd’s Door, you…

95 May 27th, 2016 2
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Impact the lives of women and children at Portland Rescue Mission (job openings)

Women and children are the fastest growing demographic when it comes to people experiencing homelessness in the Portland area. They are also the most vulnerable demographic when it comes to life on the streets. That is why at Portland Rescue Mission we spend so much time and resources to give hope and restore life for…

79 April 26th, 2016 0
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