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Newsletter

Season of HOPE: Summer at Portland Rescue Mission

Being homeless in the summer is no vacation. For people living on the streets, life is a constant threat of dehydration, heat stroke, hunger, sickness and violence. There’s no rest, only survival. There’s little dignity, only despair. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we have a chance to meet these urgent needs and give hope…

91 July 12th, 2017 0
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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…

97 April 7th, 2017 0
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Like Waking Up -Anthony Finds Worth and Forgiveness Through Prayer

Soft morning light gently wakes Anthony from a restful sleep. “Good morning, God,” he whispers. “Thank you for the chance to live this day.” It’s been a year since Anthony stepped out of his old life. In the soothing cascade of a hot shower, he remembers the stark contrast of life on the streets. Showers…

87 April 4th, 2017 0
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Easter on the streets for many homeless: How you can help

Easter is such a powerful reminder of God’s power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair. Many of us will spend this Easter celebrating with friends and family, making memories and enjoying good food together. But there’s a growing crowd of men, women and children who are left out… literally. Cold weather…

101 March 14th, 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…

94 January 9th, 2017 0
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“God, if you’re out there…” Brian’s heartfelt prayer helped set him free

It’s 3:00 a.m. and he’s wide awake. The cold, misty light of a street lamp casts a long shadow over a lonely park bench and Brian’s slumped silhouette. The city is sleeping, but there’s no way he can rest. Fear pierces his heart like the icy winter wind chilling his tense body. Regrets echo endlessly…

92 January 4th, 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…

87 September 30th, 2016 0
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A Meal Made A Difference

“You look like a guy who could use a cup of coffee.” Shivering from Portland’s winter rain, Don* gratefully accepted the hot mug, treasuring its warmth in his cold, stiff hands, feeling it radiate through his body. The simple, kind gesture by a Mission staff member grabbed Don’s heart. Once again, he was amazed. These…

91 September 30th, 2016 0
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Art helped Stewart find a new life at Portland Rescue Mission

Six months ago, Stewart was homeless, lost and hurting. He came to our Burnside Shelter for meals and was grateful for everything the Mission provided – restrooms, shelter, socks, toiletries and mail service. But he didn’t expect an art class. Every Thursday afternoon, our Guest Care Center offers an open workshop with free art supplies…

86 June 29th, 2016 0
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Executive Director Eric Bauer: More than sobriety at Portland Rescue Mission

We don’t always know what we need. But we usually know what we want. Men and women like Bradley, our featured story in our 2016 Summer Newsletter, want more than anything to their agony. Usually, long before people become homeless, they experience loss and trauma. In a desperate attempt to deal with the pain, they turn…

68 June 28th, 2016 0
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