Project Hope and Portland Rescue Mission

Portland Rescue Mission’s New Life Recovery ministry transforms the lives of men, women and children as they progress from homelessness to hope. Over 12 to 18 months, the men and women take on increasing responsibility as they acclimate to life off the streets, identify key problem areas and establish plans for employment and ongoing success.

Recently, Project Hope had the opportunity to help the men’s New Life Recovery ministry. During the first two phases of the program, the men live in the downtown Burnside shelter after which, they move to Next Step, which provides a more rural setting. The men commute daily to the Burnside Shelter to continue their program.

There are 30 men living at Next Step which houses a communal kitchen and living area.
According to Holly Hummel, Aesthetic Coordinator at Portland Rescue Mission, “the kitchen was dysfunctional. None of the cabinets worked”. Project Hope was able to help with a donation of kitchen cabinets* for a makeover.

Less than two months later, the new kitchen is up and running and it has helped changed the very environment at Next Step. “Before, meals were prepared downtown and delivered daily. Food is very important to men. They work very hard and they come home at the end of the day and they’re hungry,” explains Holly, “and now, they have a functioning, commercial kitchen. Because of this upgrade, we are now able to cook on-site to provide fresh, nutritious meals.”

Having a kitchen has launched a few other changes at Next Step. Residents have started a compost pile and are planning their communal garden. They’ve taken an active interest in their home. Recently, they’ve buffed the floors in the building and painted the laundry room and want to continue upgrading. Over all, the atmosphere is more home-like.

"We have needed this upgrade for years and never had funds for it.”, says Eric Bauer, Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission. “We are truly thankful for the opportunity to partner with Project Hope and all that you do for the community. We see these men taking pride in their home, more than they have before. The kitchen is the heart of any home and this has really put the heart into Next Step. They’re really acting like a family.”

For more information about New Life Recovery Ministry and Portland Rescue Mission, please visit their website. For more information about Hope Houses and Project Hope, call Cindy Park at 503-287-4914.

* Donations made possible by Home Depot.