PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The Portland Rescue Mission works to break the cycle of homelessness. Part of the reason this nonprofit is so successful is because of its staff. Some staff members have personal experiences with addiction and homelessness—staff members like Tiffany Tait.
Tait is an intake specialist for the Portland Rescue Mission.
“I am one of the first people a woman speaks to and contacts when she calls about our program and is looking for our services,” she says.
Tait works at Shepherd’s Door, a Portland Rescue Mission facility dedicated to supporting women in crisis situations.
“When you come here as a woman who is homeless, or a woman who is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, you feel so isolated,” she says. “I want to make sure that the women who come here know that they are not alone.”
I want to make sure that the women who come here know that they are not alone.
You are not alone, because Tait knows exactly what you are going through.
“I identify myself as a recovering addict. I struggled with an opioid addiction. I struggled with working for DHS and losing my children for a time, and I also struggled with being a victim of domestic violence,” she said.
Tait was reunited with her children in 2018. Shortly after, she completed inpatient treatment. She knew exactly what she wanted to do next.
“I was able to be pulled out of the fire and now my passion is to turn around and pull other women out of the fire,” she said.
I was able to be pulled out of the fire and now my passion is to turn around and pull other women out of the fire.
Tait started working at Shepherd’s Door last year and she wants more people to know about her work.
“I always say we’re one of Portland’s best-kept secrets, but I want that not to be the case,” she says.
At Shepherd’s Door, women can stay on-site for free and continue their treatment while staff care for their children. This long-term recovery program lasts for one year and they can stay for an additional year for free.
“This option allows women to really dig deep and find out how they came to have dysfunctional lives,” Tait explains.
Eighty-five percent of women who have completed the program in the last five years are still housed and sober.
“I think that speaks to the fact that we give them so much time to heal,” Tait says.
For her, the most rewarding part of her job is connecting women with this life-changing ministry.
“They don’t have to spend another day in that despair if they don’t want to,” she says. “They can pick up the phone and call me. I will make sure they get a connection so they don’t have to suffer and feel hopeless anymore.”
They can pick up the phone and call me and I will make sure they are connected so they no longer have to suffer and feel hopeless.
This year, Tait was honored for her service to the addiction recovery community with the Hadin Award, which is given to two health care providers in Multnomah County who demonstrate a commitment to caring for those suffering from addiction and the homeless.
Tait sees it not as a victory for himself, but for the Portland Rescue Mission.
“I want to be the loudest megaphone in the country announcing that we are here and we want to help,” she says.
SUPPORT THE PORTLAND RESCUE MISSION BY CALLING (877) 544-1319 OR VISITING KATU.com/donate.
If you need help, you can contact the Portland Rescue Mission services.
Shepherd’s Door | 13207 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97230 | Receptionist: 503-746-9743
Long-term inpatient rehabilitation in a rescue-like setting for women and women with children who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or struggling with addiction. Women are cared for by certified alcohol and drug counselors and nursing staff from Portland Rescue Mission. Daycare is available while mothers are in treatment. The rehabilitation program begins with Discovery, a 5-week assessment, stabilization, and relapse prevention program. Graduates of Discovery may attend New Life, a year-long holistic rehabilitation program.
The port | 10336 NE Wygant St, Portland, OR 97220 | Receptionist: 503-746-9664
Long-term inpatient rehabilitation in a rescue-like setting for up to 40 men who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or struggling with addiction. Men are cared for by certified alcohol and drug counselors and nursing staff from Portland Rescue Mission. The rehabilitation program begins with Discovery, a 5-week assessment, stabilization, and relapse prevention program. Graduates of Discovery may attend New Life, a year-long holistic rehabilitation program.
Burnside Hideout | 111 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209 | Men’s Contact: 503-980-4998
This Old Town shelter is open to all. Services include breakfast at 7am, dinner at 6pm, 24 hour restrooms, showers, clothing, toiletries, mail, referrals and religious services. There is overnight accommodations for up to 75 men as well as the Men’s Connect Program, a 3- to 6-month residential program that helps men recover from life on the streets. Program participants can receive job training and assistance with finding housing and employment.
