Contact Us
526 SE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: 503-231-9334
Website: www.cityteam.org/portland
Blog: www.cityteamportland.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cityteampdx
Julie Stephenson, Northwest Regional Director: jstephenson@cityteam.org
Christine Thiessen, Development Officer: 971.404.6686
About Us
In Portland, CityTeam Ministries is carrying on the work that the Peniel Mission began, providing hot meals, safe shelter, showers, and clean clothing to this city’s homeless population. A recovery program is in place for those men that are on a road of destruction from drugs and alcohol.
CityTeam is involved in real life situations with the people that walk through our doors. The caring staff at CityTeam reaches out to those people in need and shows them there is real hope in Christ in order to formulate an everlasting real change in their lives.
A Letter from Julie Stephenson, CityTeam NorthWest Director
I have to admit that I get discouraged at times. Putting your whole heart into a ministry can be exhausting. Walking through the struggles that people have is also tiring. Add in a few building problems and extra expenses on top of the budget and it can be hard to keep the effort on-going to make things work.
I was recently having one of “those” days while looking at the daunting list of tasks to be done, people to be encouraged, and problems to be solved. My head was spinning from the ever-growing list. I felt harried and hurried all day. I also felt like all of the effort I was expending for that day was going nowhere. I guess you could say I was stressed!
That was until I picked up the telephone. On the end of the line was a woman who desired to give a twenty dollar gift to CityTeam. I wrote down her information. We had a nice exchange of words. I was about ready to wrap up the call and then she told me that this $20 gift was in memory of her daughter who had died on the streets.
As I hung up the phone I was crying. The call had given me a new perspective as I was reminded why I am so willing to get tired, handle the “to do” list and face discouragement. It’s because what we do here can be the difference between life and death for our street guests.
My mind was soon recalling the faces of the street guests that I had known who had died on the streets. Often we share about the wonderful news of how our men have change their lives forever. Knowing that these men have turned their lives around has encouraged and blessed me. But, I also hold in my heart the ones who haven’t made it. It has inspired me to fight longer and harder than I think possible at times.
So, for all our guests whose lives hang in the balance between a new life or death on the streets let’s continue to work together for them. I truly believe that we are partners in this. Together we pray, we give money and time or bring in people that can. Thank you that you lift the burden so that the load is lighter, the problems are less, and we can focus on being a blessing.
Words from Local Supporters
“CityTeam is doing some great work! The City of Portland depends on our faith-based partners in our battle against homelessness. Those that come to CityTeam find real hope that their lives can change while in a secure and caring community. CityTeam’s in-depth programs bring total transformation inside and out. By helping CityTeam continue its important mission, you become a part of a larger citywide effort to end homelessness.”
— Former Commissioner Erik Sten, City of Portland
“Serving those in need was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry and that same compassion can be seen today at CityTeam Portland. Together we can be the hands and feet that reach out to poor and homeless that need extra help and the proper tools to change their lives. Portland Foursquare Church is grateful for CityTeam and that we can partner with them to impact lives for eternity.”
— Dennis Easter. Pastor, Portland Foursquare Church
