A Quick Spotlight: The Portland Rescue Mission Has Humble Origins

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      Since 1949, the Portland Rescue mission has been dedicated to making a difference by serving the community by ministering to men, women and children who suffer from addiction, hunger and homelessness in the Portland Metro Area. The Portland rescue mission has very humble beginnings. In 1949, John Van Diest, Sr., a Portland resident began the Portland Rescue Mission's legacy by serving soup and sandwiches out of his family car to hungry homeless individuals on the streets. These acts of compassion and kindness by John Van Diest, a Portland native and Christian man of faith had eventually blossomed and evolved into a modest soup kitchen on Burnside Street. John and his wife Tress would purchase the groceries and food supplies themselves to help feed the community. By 1954, the Portland Rescue Mission had officially been established and had moved to its current location at 111 Burnside Street, Portland Oregon. According to the Portland Rescue Mission, there are approximately 4,015 individuals that are suffering from homelessness in Portland today. The Burnside Portland Rescue mission shelter provides warm food, clean clothes, hot showers and shelter for homeless individuals in Portland. 




 The Portland Rescue mission has built strong partnerships with a number of powerful local businesses such as Safeway, Wholefoods Market, Reser and Fred Meyer's for support.  These businesses have committed to help The Portland Rescue Mission make a difference by making huge money and food donations, providing the Portland Rescue mission with shipments such as truckloads of breads and meats that would have otherwise have gone to waste. The Portland Rescue mission has roots in Christian Ministry and is a 100% community funded organization, with 100 staff members and 1,750 volunteers to help facilitate and run their services and programs. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities if you are interested in helping to make a sustainable difference in Portland. Included below is a link to apply for an internship or volunteering opportunity.

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