Listen to this article
 AUBREY ELLIS, a former client of The Salvation Army Greenhouse, spoke on behalf of the homeless youth served by the center.
|
A young mother sleeps for the first time in days while a volunteer tucks her baby into the soft blankets of a nursery crib. A neglected teenager receives attention in the private medical clinic, complete with a lab. Computers line the spacious alternative learning center. The smell of hot homemade clam chowder, enough to feed an army of hungry youths, wafts from the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Welcome to the “new” Salvation Army Greenhouse Center for homeless youth. The Salvation Army Greenhouse, which began serving Portland’s homeless youth in 1984, opened its doors to scores of friends and neighbors recently to celebrate its newly completed renovation. Many were honored for their commitment and hard work to this project that was a dream of so many, including CIDA Architects and Yorke & Curtis General Contractors. Lt. Colonel Kurt Burger, Western Territory secretary for Business, was on hand for the joyous occasion, as was Cascade Divisional Commander Major Paul R. Seiler. The renovation project began when Burger was divisional commander. “Greenhouse is the inn, and we are the innkeepers,” said Burger. “While our mission is somewhat different than 2,000 years ago, the story is the same.” 
Aubrey Ellis, a former Greenhouse client, received educational services through the alternative learning center, got off drugs and renewed her faith in God. “At Greenhouse I was able to find God with help and guidance from volunteers.” Aubrey left the center with realized self-confidence. “Greenhouse made me feel as if I am somebody — and there are no limits on how to feel good and be my own person.” Through charitable donations, The Salvation Army is seeking funding for the $1.3 million balance needed to pay for the $3.3 million dollar project. A solid foundation of funding was provided by Meyer Memorial Trust, The Collins Foundation and Murdock Foundation, and numerous other donors who are dedicated to providing homeless youth a safe place off the streets. A young mother sleeps for the first time in days while a volunteer tucks her baby into the soft blankets of a nursery crib. A neglected teenager receives attention in the private medical clinic, complete with a lab. Computers line the spacious alternative learning center. The smell of hot homemade clam chowder, enough to feed an army of hungry youths, wafts from the state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Welcome to the “new” Salvation Army Greenhouse Center for homeless youth. The Salvation Army Greenhouse, which began serving Portland’s homeless youth in 1984, opened its doors to scores of friends and neighbors recently to celebrate its newly completed renovation. Many were honored for their commitment and hard work to this project that was a dream of so many, including CIDA Architects and Yorke & Curtis General Contractors. Lt. Colonel Kurt Burger, Western Territory secretary for Business, was on hand for the joyous occasion, as was Cascade Divisional Commander Major Paul R. Seiler. The renovation project began when Burger was divisional commander. “Greenhouse is the inn, and we are the innkeepers,” said Burger. “While our mission is somewhat different than 2,000 years ago, the story is the same.” Aubrey Ellis, a former Greenhouse client, received educational services through the alternative learning center, got off drugs and renewed her faith in God. “At Greenhouse I was able to find God with help and guidance from volunteers.” Aubrey left the center with realized self-confidence. “Greenhouse made me feel as if I am somebody — and there are no limits on how to feel good and be my own person.” Through charitable donations, The Salvation Army is seeking funding for the $1.3 million balance needed to pay for the $3.3 million dollar project. A solid foundation of funding was provided by Meyer Memorial Trust, The Collins Foundation and Murdock Foundation, and numerous other donors who are dedicated to providing homeless youth a safe place off the streets.
