Ron was scared. Without a job or apartment, he was alone on the streets of Portland -- homeless. He put up a tough front, but was never sure who he could trust.
Ron's Story of Hope (Quicktime Version)
But Ron found a way to change his life. In our New Life Recovery Ministry, he's addressed the root causes of addictions. He's connected with God in a way that gives his life meaning. He'll graduate soon with the support he needs to succeed.
Your support changes lives.
Donate online at www.PortlandRescueMission.org or call 503-MISSION (647-7466).
Monday, March 28, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Against the Wall - Annual Report
New Annual Report Shows High Impact In Current Recession
Our latest Annual Report shows continued efficiency and significant impact in the lives of hurting people.
Since 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has been feeding and caring for hurting, hungry people. In recent decades, we’ve expanded our ministry to help men, women and children through addiction recovery, job training, education, emotional healing and spiritual renewal.
Three years into our economic downturn, many people are losing hope that it will ever turn around. It’s easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged, especially when you have family and friends who have lost jobs, homes and hope.
At the Mission, we see it in new faces every day… not just numbers, but hurting people. People on the brink of homelessness and all that entangles once you’ve lost everything and given up.
Download the 2009-10 Annual Report (PDF) to see how we're helping men and women end their homelessness and move toward stability. Meet Jason and Connie, just two of the many people who are starting new lives thanks to you.
As Portland’s largest provider of emergency services, our daily services of meals and shelter continue to rise (see page 4 of the report). We deeply appreciate your support.
Our latest Annual Report shows continued efficiency and significant impact in the lives of hurting people.Since 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has been feeding and caring for hurting, hungry people. In recent decades, we’ve expanded our ministry to help men, women and children through addiction recovery, job training, education, emotional healing and spiritual renewal.
Three years into our economic downturn, many people are losing hope that it will ever turn around. It’s easy to be overwhelmed and discouraged, especially when you have family and friends who have lost jobs, homes and hope.
At the Mission, we see it in new faces every day… not just numbers, but hurting people. People on the brink of homelessness and all that entangles once you’ve lost everything and given up.
Download the 2009-10 Annual Report (PDF) to see how we're helping men and women end their homelessness and move toward stability. Meet Jason and Connie, just two of the many people who are starting new lives thanks to you.
As Portland’s largest provider of emergency services, our daily services of meals and shelter continue to rise (see page 4 of the report). We deeply appreciate your support.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Employment Opportunities at Portland Rescue Mission
Looking for a job? Join our team of passionate staff as we work to provide emergency care and long-term recovery for homeless men, women and children in the Portland, Oregon area.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to:
Alissa Goble
Portland Rescue Mission
1507 NE 122nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97230
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Note of Thanks
"...I was given such gracious help a couple years ago... Andy [a staff member] helped me find a place to stay and a bus ticket... I was given the utmost respect and this gesture will never be forgotten."
Enclosed was a donation to help express her gratitude.
We pass the thanks on to friends like you. We're here for Laura because of your compassionate support. Thank you.
*Name has been changed.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Zetaman
Zetaman is an ordinary guy doing superhero deeds in Portland, Oregon. In his spare time, he dons the Zetaman costume and walks the streets looking for ways to help men and women in need.
From Zetaman's Blog:
From Zetaman's Blog:
On 5th and Yamhill, we noticed a guy sitting in a doorway. He had a jacket but was trying to cover his legs with his shirt. I asked him if he needed help. He mumbled something. I went back to my car to grab a blanket and socks. We got back and tried to talk to the guy. I asked him his name and he said it was “Homegrown” like the weed. We got to talking for a bit and we found out he was 17 years old. The kid has been on the streets since he was 12.
It turns out the kid’s name was Brian and he was a runaway.
My friend and I went to the Roxy and came back with two meals. We gave him both of the meals. I don’t think I can forget his look of surprise because he had no idea how to respond to someone helping him. It was like no one had ever did anything nice for him ever in his life. He had no understanding why we gave him stuff. Sadly Brian may not qualify for child services anymore.
I read on things about people saying they feel good after handing stuff out. I really wish I did feel good. I don’t. A moment of easing someone's pain for one night does nothing. The small stuff we hand out does not do a bit of good. There is no victory in what I do.
There are many reasons why people are on the street. I took a few classes down at the Portland Rescue Mission which helped my understanding of why people are on the street. I don’t think what I do helps in the physical sense. But I feel compelled to at least talk to people. I feel that I want to talk to all the Brians, or Jimmys or Elizabeths. I think at least trying be a friend is what I should be doing.
Each time I go out I try to record what happened. At least at one point, at one time there is some kind of record that this person existed. These people do exist. It is to my shame that I only have this blog in which to convey their stories.
I don’t think we are doing some good unless we are working on better solutions like non-profits. But at times like this, I hope that there is a higher power who is putting a few of us in key moments where we can give some compassion at the right time. I think that is what drives me.
I know I can’t solve the world’s problems. I am a guy. But perhaps there is a better reason why things happen. I hope there is a bigger picture and the small contributions I make work toward that larger effort.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Hard Times Generation: Homeless Kids
From 60 Minutes:
In some areas of the country, schools are seeing 5-10 more homeless students every day. School buses make regular stops at low-budget hotels to pick up kids whose families have no other place to live.
How does homelessness affect kids? How do they survive? What will the long-term effects be on this largest generation of poverty-stricken children since the Great Depression?
Watch this special video presentation from 60 Minutes.
In some areas of the country, schools are seeing 5-10 more homeless students every day. School buses make regular stops at low-budget hotels to pick up kids whose families have no other place to live.
How does homelessness affect kids? How do they survive? What will the long-term effects be on this largest generation of poverty-stricken children since the Great Depression?
Watch this special video presentation from 60 Minutes.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
How Important Is A Restroom?
Dinner was about to be served inside the Mission, so Holly invited Rick to stay and eat. He declined.
Rick's reason for not eating or drinking may seem ridiculous, but it's practical. Eating and drinking lead to the inevitable need for restrooms, which homeless men and women have limited access to. Rick was more concerned about preserving his dignity than feeding his stomach.
Portland Rescue Mission is one of the few places downtown offering 24/7 access to safe, clean bathrooms for men and women. It's a vital resource that guests like Rick depend on and appreciate.
Since then, Rick has enjoyed many meals with us and is grateful for all the services we provide. The recurring contact we've had with him has helped us build a relationship through which we can get him to the help he needs. Currently, he's on a waiting list for housing and hopes to have his own apartment soon.
Your support provides essential care to hurting men and women. Thanks for helping us give more than a meal, more than a bed. You give hope.
*Name has been changed.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Larry's Story of Hope
Larry sat coughing on a cold, wet sidewalk. Bronchitis and fever weakened his body. He needed food, rest -- and hope.
Larry's Story of Hope (Quicktime Version)
Stories like Larry's almost always start with hitting rock bottom. Then another hurting person turns to the Mission for help and a hot meal.
Your gift today gives hope when hurting men and women need it most. Thank you.
Donate online at www.PortlandRescueMission.org or call 503-MISSION (647-7466).
Larry's Story of Hope (Quicktime Version)
Stories like Larry's almost always start with hitting rock bottom. Then another hurting person turns to the Mission for help and a hot meal.
Your gift today gives hope when hurting men and women need it most. Thank you.
Donate online at www.PortlandRescueMission.org or call 503-MISSION (647-7466).
Friday, March 4, 2011
Trail Blazers and Airefco Help End Homelessness
 |
| Mike Reid of Portland Rescue Mission receives a check from J.K. Hussa of Airefco |
J.K. Hussa, president of Airefco, presented Portland Rescue Mission with a check for $2500 at half-time of the Portland Trail Blazers game on February 23rd. This is the third generous gift of this same amount over the past three years.
The donation will support Shepherd's Door, the women and children's ministry of Portland Rescue Mission. Through the 12- to 18-month New Life Recovery Ministry, women and children heal from the devastating effects of homelessness, abuse and addiction.
Thank you Airefco and Portland Trail Blazers for helping us end homelessness in Portland!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Lloyd Center Mall Helps "Keep Portland Warm"
Winter weather is hard for people without a home. You can help provide blankets to help hurting men and women stay warm!
For every new person to "like" Lloyd Center mall on Facebook, $1.00 will be donated (up to $500) to purchase blankets for people in need*. Blankets will be donated to Portland Rescue Mission.
You can also drop off new blankets at the Customer Service Desk at the mall.
"Like" Lloyd Center mall on Facebook.
*Promotion runs now through March 31st
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Birthday Party for the Homeless
On Wednesday, March 30th, 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 March 28th to:
Birthday Party for the Homeless
Portland Rescue Mission
P.O. Box 3713
Portland, OR 97208-3713
Special Thanks to 88.7 K-Love and Fred Meyer:
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Erin and Larry Escape Homelessness - March 2011 Newsletter
Erin was nearly 8 months pregnant -- and homeless. She knew her daughters could be taken from her and would do anything to keep that from happening.
Larry sat coughing on a cold, wet sidewalk. Bronchitis and fever weakened his body. He needed food, rest -- and hope.
Today, both Erin and Larry are a long way from the desperate lives they once knew. They're graduates of our New Life Recovery Ministry and of our one-year GRAD job-training program.
Your support changes lives.
Read about Erin and larry in our March newsletter and watch their video stories using the links below.
Larry sat coughing on a cold, wet sidewalk. Bronchitis and fever weakened his body. He needed food, rest -- and hope.
Today, both Erin and Larry are a long way from the desperate lives they once knew. They're graduates of our New Life Recovery Ministry and of our one-year GRAD job-training program.
Your support changes lives.
Read about Erin and larry in our March newsletter and watch their video stories using the links below.
 | Watch Erin's video and read her story | >> |
 | Watch Larry's video and read his story | >> |
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