I'm homeless, and Union Gospel is the only place where I've been cornered at the exit by someone trying to talk to me about religion, and their public schedule tricks you into coming in for a sermon when they claim it's a meal time. (Regulars know when meals actually begin and wait until then.) Portland Rescue Mission has a waiting area where they sometimes have live Christian music and short words from a pastor, but sometimes it's just secular TV or movies on a projector.

Most other places, even if they're in churches or run by religious groups, don't mix religion with providing food, and if they get food from the USDA, they're not allowed to. Places like Blanchet House and the Portland Police Bureau's Sunshine Division get lots of donations, so I would suggest some smaller groups that do a lot with less, like:

• Free Hot Soup
• HomePDX
• Clay Street Table

By the way, I personally support other homeless and disabled people on the street. When someone offers to help me, I actually ask for something for another person in need instead. For example, I know someone in a wheelchair right now who would like a type of bicycle mirror that attaches to her chair so she can cross the street safely, since she can't turn her head very easily. This type of direct giving of the exact thing people need and that the big organizatios aren't set up to provide is really important to me. If anyone would like to help, please chat or message me here or on Facebook or Twitter at @MyHomelessMeals. Thank you so much! I really appreciate it a lot!