Portland, OR (PRWEB) November 08, 2014
Hundreds of men and women came to Portland Rescue Mission’s Burnside Shelter last night for Serving Hope, the sixth annual kick off to the holiday season event. The Mission partnered with Harry’s Fresh Foods to serve 500 special meals at this charity event to give hope this holiday season.
“The holiday season is often difficult for homeless men and women who are separated from their family and loved ones,” said Eric Bauer, the Mission’s executive director. “A special meal, served by compassionate and caring volunteers, offers the warmth and home of family for people who have no other place to go.”
The event, which began with Harry’s Fresh Foods offering hot apple cider to guests as they waited for the doors to open, was from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Portland Rescue Mission’s Burnside Shelter, located at 111 W. Burnside St.
“This is hope. A meal,” said Stewart, a dinner guest. “When you’re outside and you don’t have any money in your pocket or anything, I don’t know what I’d do without a nice hot meal like this.”
The special meal included roasted sweet Italian sausage, vegetables, sweet potatoes, spiced apples, and more. The meal was prepared by Chef David Mack, who has more than 20 years of award winning culinary experience. Guests also enjoyed live musical entertainment throughout the evening.
“At the end, one of the women came up to me and said, ‘Thank you. For at least a couple hours, I felt normal again,’” said Mark Murray, vice president of sales at Harry’s Fresh Foods. “To have that kind of an impact, to be able to give that hope, just by us giving them an evening like this – it’s tremendous.”
In the past year, the Mission has served 20 percent more meals to people in need. Portland Rescue Mission provides free breakfast and dinner daily, with lunch served on the weekends. To donate, call 503-MISSION (647-7466) or visit http://www.portlandrescuemission.org.
About Portland Rescue Mission
Since 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has served people in need by giving hope and restoring life. The Mission operates 365 days a year and provides up to 950 meals a day, overnight shelter, mail services and safe, clean restrooms that are available 24/7. The Mission offers short and long-term programs, serving men, women and children, including two 90-day programs for individuals transitioning from homelessness to housing and employment. Our New Life Ministry is a 12-month program that provides total life recovery, focusing on addictions recovery, spiritual renewal, and life skills for up to 40 women and their children at Shepherd’s Door and up to 41 men at The Harbor.
Portland Rescue Mission is a faith-based non-profit supported by 30,000 dedicated donors and 3,000 caring volunteers, working in close coordination with other public and private resources and churches of many denominations. To learn more, visit http://www.PortlandRescueMission.org.