Safe refuge for the homeless

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPortland Rescue Mission dedicates renovated Harbor Facility The Home Builders Foundation took the lead on the new facility that provides safe refuge for the homelessPORTLAND, Ore. (June 10, 2013) – In the past year, 56 people died while living on the streets of Multnomah County, and 85 percent of those deaths were men. This tragic cycle can end as renovations have completed at The Harbor, Portland Rescue Mission’s men’s recovery facility in Northeast Portland.“There are many aspects to homelessness, including addiction and brokenness, which can lead to a destructive lifestyle,” said Eric Bauer, Executive Director of Portland Rescue Mission. “The Harbor is a place for men to deal with those core issues in a safe environment, while also learning the life skills necessary to venture back into society and succeed.”Renovations began in the Fall of 2012, and were made possible by a US Bank sponsorship that provided $700,000 of Affordable Housing Program funds supplied by financial institutions. An additional $325,000 was donated in labor, materials and construction expertise by the Home Builders Foundation, led by Builder Captain Nathan D. Young Construction, in addition to several members of the Home Builders Association.  Other generous contributions came from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Tosoh Quartz, Inc, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund and the Ann and Bill Swindells Charitable Trust.Formerly known as Next Step, this newly renovated facility helps meet the needs of hurting men overcoming homelessness and addiction and increases the facility’s capacity from 15 to 42 beds.Nathan D. Young of NDY Construction led the project as the HBF Builder Captain and came together with many other members of the Home Builders Association to donate or discount labor, materials and expertise to complete the largest project to date for the Home Builders Foundation. Nathan Young has done several projects with Home Builders Foundation and Portland Rescue Mission, but this one is the largest by far. Young chooses to tell his company’s story through charitable work instead of spending money on traditional marketing. “Nathan Young has done an amazing job as the HBF Builder Captain for this project,” says Ken Cowdery, Executive Director of the Home Builders Foundation.The men’s recovery program of Portland Rescue Mission was formerly located at their downtown Burnside Shelter. The Harbor opening expands capacity at the Burnside Shelter, increasing emergency care services such as meals and shelter for homeless men and women.

The media is invited to attend all or some of the dedication events :Date: Thursday, June 13Time: 6:00pm, Optional Tour – 6:45pm, Ribbon Cutting with Dedication and Photo Opportunity7:00pm Dinner and ProgramLocation: The Harbor, 10336 NE Wygant St, Portland, OR 97220RSVP: Alexa Mason at alexa.mason@pdxmission.org or call 503-746-9647. Please indicate if you plan to attend dinner and if you have any food allergies.About the Home Builders FoundationThe Home Builders Foundation, established in 1997, is the charity of choice for the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. Their mission is to build transitional shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in our community and provide construction related educational opportunities for individuals interesting in pursuing a career in the home building industry. Visit hbapdx.org/buildhopepdx-temp for more info.AboutPortland Rescue MissionSince 1949, Portland Rescue Mission has provided hope to homeless men, women and children throughout the community. The Mission addresses the root causes of homelessness by providing for the most basic needs. We serve up to 950 meals a day, 365 days a year, shelter, mail services and 24/7 safe, clean restrooms. Our New Life Programs provides total life recovery, including addictions recovery, spiritual renewal, and life skills for men and women. Up to 42 women and their children live together and journey through recovery at Shepherd’s Door, and up to 40 men live in The Harbor throughout the 12-month residential program.Portland Rescue Mission is completely supported by the goodwill of the community and has more than4,000 volunteers through which operations are possible. To learn more, visit www.portlandrescuemisson.org.AboutHome Builders Association of Metropolitan PortlandThe Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland (HBAMP) is the leading voice for the residential building industry, representing more than 1,100 builders, remodelers and industry professionals. HBAMP is the most awarded HBA in the country, the third fastest growing and the ninth largest overall. Since 1942, HBA has worked on behalf of the industry to promote diverse, affordable housing options to area residents. For more information, visit www.hbapdx.org.

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