The Hidden Homeless - Families In Motels

Watch this insightful photojournalism piece revealing an unseen side of homelessness -- families forced to live in motels to survive.

From the Coalition for the Homeless in Central Florida blog:

Earlier this week, Robert Cohen of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch was honored in the 2010 American Society of News Editors as a finalist for his Community Service Photojournalism story titled “Motel Manor: Suburban homelessness in St. Charles County.” This insightful and disturbing collection of photos shows a side of homelessness rarely seen or considered by the outside world: hotel homelessness. By interviewing and following several struggling families living in cheap hotels, Robert shows how modern-day homelessness has taken a new form.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development definition of homelessness does not include individuals living in hotels. After taking a look at the photos above and listening to the stories shared by families with nowhere else to turn, what is your opinion? Should those with only a hotel for a home be counted as homeless?

Paula's Story of Hope

Like many women who come to Portland Rescue Mission for help, Paula's childhood was scarred by violence and abuse.

Paula's Story of Hope (Quicktime Version)

Paula from pdxmission on Vimeo.

But thanks to your support, Paula is healing from those scars. By courageously facing her past, she's providing a safe, stable future for her young son.

Your gift today helps women like Paula break the generational cycle of abuse, addiction and homelessness.

Donate online at www.PortlandRescueMission.org. Or call 503-MISSION (647-7466)

92% Say Something More Is Needed

In a recent online poll, we asked people, "Why do you think most people are homeless?"

-- They are lazy.
-- They've lost a job and/or home due to economic pressure.
-- They are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
-- They have a mental disability.
-- They've experienced significant trauma/difficulties.

92% of responders believe that homelessness is generally caused by more than economic pressure. And they're right.

The challenge of ending homelessness is not just in providing a home, but in helping men and women address the root causes of their situation.

That's why we offer more than just temporary food and shelter. Your support helps us provide long-term recovery programs that include addiction recovery, job training, education, emotional healing and spiritual renewal -- a total life recovery.

Your support helps us give something more. More than a meal. More than a bed. You give hope.

Thank you.

Alan's Story of Hope

Alan came to our Burnside Shelter for a meal, but found something more through our Learning Center.

Alan's Story of Hope (Quicktime Version)


Alan from pdxmission on Vimeo.

Men like Alan are hungry for more than just a meal. They want a way back home. They want freedom from addiction and the root causes of homelessness. Our 12- to 18-month recovery programs for men and women offer just that.

Your gift today provides food, clothing and shelter. And you help provide recovery programs that give hurting people a second chance at life. Thanks.

Donate online at www.PortlandRescueMission.org. Or call 503-MISSION (647-7466)

Reaching Out To Homeless Women

Life for any homeless person is difficult.  But much more so for homeless women -- a majority of whom experience dangers of violence and rape while on the streets.

Last Saturday, Portland Rescue Mission provided a safe haven for around 75 of these hurting women at our Burnside Shelter.  Volunteers from the Community of Adsideo pampered women with massages, manicures, haircuts and clean clothing.  The women enjoyed food, conversation and love in a safe, warm environment. 

"A homeless woman is a lonely person," says Jan Marshall, Director of Women's Ministries.  "When we massage her feet, she talks and talks to us.  We have had profound moments with them.  Jesus is always present at those times."

Sadly, the numerous women we met last Saturday were likely back on the street that night.  But for one day, they experienced care like they haven't known in a long time.

Now we know their names.  They know that we care.  Inside our doors, they're safe.  It's the beginning of a relationship through which we can invite them into recovery.  When they're ready, some will join us at Shepherd's Door, our women and children's ministry center, where they can journey toward healing and start a new life.

Your support helps us reach out to hurting, homeless women.  You help us give something more.  More than a meal.  More than a bed.

You give hope.

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P.S.  Read one volunteer's blog post about the event here.

You Can Make A Difference

Interested in volunteering? Join us for our upcoming Partnership Overviews this month:

Saturday, February 6th

9:30- 11:00 AM

Burnside Shelter (111 W. Burnside, Portland)

Thursday, February 18th

7:00-8:30 PM

Shepherd's Door (13207 NE Halsey, Portland)

- Discover our approach to ending homelessness by healing its root causes
- Learn more about the emergency services and long-term recovery programs we provide
- Hear stories from the men and women we serve about how their lives are changing
- Find out the many ways you can help as a volunteer

When you invest your time in the men, women and children at Portland Rescue Mission, you give something more. More than a meal. More than a bed. You give hope.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

-- RSVP to attend an upcoming Partnership Overview

-- Learn more on our website at http://www.portlandrescuemission.org/end-homelessness/volunteer or call 503-906-7697.

Give a Happy Birthday!

Many homeless men and women watch their birthday come and go uncelebrated. But thanks to the generosity of Fred Meyer and your thoughtfulness, our homeless guests will know they're not forgotten this year.

On Wednesday, February 17th, we'll throw a birthday party complete with gifts, cake, cards and colorful decorations. You can be a part of our annual Birthday Party for the Homeless when you send a birthday card with an encouraging note to let a hurting person know you care.

-- Write a message in a store-bought or homemade card.
-- Please do not include any personal information other than your first name.
-- Enclose your card in the matching envelope, but do not seal it.
-- If you like, include a donation to Portland Rescue Mission. Just $1.88 provides a hot, nutritious meal to a hurting person in need.
-- Place the card and matching envelope in a larger envelope and mail by February 16th to:

Birthday Party for the Homeless
Portland Rescue Mission
P.O. Box 3713
Portland, OR 97208-3713

Special Thanks to our friends at Fred Meyer: