Daily Food/Shelter for Portland's Poor & Homeless

Multnomah County’s homeless population reached a peak of 5,059 individuals in 2011 -- nearly double the census since the global recession started in 2008 (2,650 homeless individuals, Oregon Housing and Community Services data). Portland Rescue Mission is the largest provider of emergency homeless services in the Portland metropolitan area.  More than 5,500 volunteers (per year) help us efficiently serve up to 900 hot meals a day.  Our shelter program allows more than 2,400 homeless men, women and children to have a warm place to stay (about 240 per night), a bed, showers, clean clothes and more.  We've expanded our year-round emergency shelter, and plan to add even more beds in the coming year. 

In response to the increase in the number of people coming to our doors, we have been able to expand our services by more than 20%.  This has allowed us to respond to everyone who came to our doors.  During this time, we did not have to turn away anyone who needed a hot meal or a helping hand.

Allen is a homeless guest who came to us for a meal, but eventually went through our residential addiction recovery program and will soon graduate.  "I was hiding from police, soaked with rain.  People would look at me and try to get away.  I just stayed high so I wouldn't have to face reality."  He'd blown $800 in just three days on drugs... stumbled into a detox center, wound up in the hospital... then he found out about the Mission's services.  A year later, Allen has been successful at staying off drugs and alcohol.  Equally important, he has found purpose in his life and is in a healthy community to encourage and support him after graduation and starting a productive life.

A nutritious meal, a safe night's shelter, and compassionate, caring staff and volunteers... these are often the first steps toward recovery and new life, thanks to the support of local donors.

While a nutritious meal helps satisfy the immediate physical needs of a hungry man, woman or child, for our homeless guests it's a stepping stone to a relationship that may result in healing.

In January, Portland Rescue Mission started serving weekend lunches (in addition to the free, daily breakfast and dinners served year-round).   This initiative helps fill the weekend void when many of the mid-day meal providers in downtown Portland are closed.  To date, we're averaging 175 meals/day, both Saturday and Sunday.  Overall, demand for meals for our homeless guests is up 21% compared to this time last year.

With expanded weekend services, more volunteers are able to be involved.  There are increased opportunities to connect with a hurting person, hear their story, encourage them and introduce them to the Mission's recovery ministry.  The $1.88 meal can be the investment in a person's life that draws them out of isolation and despair and into a healthy, nurturing environment where they can be all God designed them to be.

NOTE: Portland Rescue Mission recently became a Four-Star Charity based on Charity Navigator's independent assessment.  This is the group's highest rating for a charity, and it's based on a nonprofit's efficiency, effectiveness and transparency in operations.

• Portland Rescue Mission's 2011 Annual Report (PDF)