hospitality, and acceptance
to the city’s neediest
after the sun goes down.
Operation Nightwatch is an ecumenical night ministry of friendship and community
that has been serving the street population
of downtown Portland since 1981.
Whereas other agencies exist to provide services such as housing, food, and clothing to the homeless, low-income, and mentally ill, ONW’s unique vision is that these populations also suffer from simple social isolation. Our simple mission is to reach out to them, nurturing relationship.
We welcome each person who comes to us, just as they are.
No one is required to conform
to any particular belief or faith practice
in order to receive our services.
The Latest . . .
Nightwatch To Go to Hood River. Our Portland Hospitality Center has benefited monthly from Hood River volunteers. On Aug. 28, our Mobile Center goes to serve the homeless in Hood River, returning the favor.
is to lack more
than a roof
over one’s head;
homelessness
is not simply
“house”-lessness.
To be homeless
is to lack roots,
ties to place,
and a sense
of belonging.
Extending hospitality
re-establishes
connection,
welcoming everyone
“ into a safe,
personal,
and comfortable
space,
a place of respect
and acceptance
and friendship . . .
including them
[if only briefly]
in a life-giving
and life-sustaining
network of
relations.”*
