The HOPE Center PDX

Our Mission & Vision

The HOPE Center PDX is a warm and inclusive community hub where everyone is welcome and every story matters. Our mission is simple: share hope and practical help with our neighbors in Rockwood. Founded and operated by AS IS Church, we are rooted in the belief that “everyone has a name, everyone has a story, and everyone matters to God and since they matter to God, they matter to us.” Our vision is to share God’s love with a broken and hurting world by loving Him, loving others, and changing lives. We strive to be a beacon of light in Rockwood, a place of compassion, healing, and transformation open 7 days a week to serve the community.

Our Story & Roots

Our journey began in 2012 when Pastor Scott and his wife Gwenna felt called to plant AS IS Church in the heart of Rockwood. They had a dream of opening a “center of hope” – a permanent facility to feed the hungry, clothe those in need, offer healing to the hurting, and care for the orphaned and widowed in our community. Even before we had a building, our small team hit the streets, serving anyone in need. We handed out meals, prayed with those hurting, and built friendships right on the sidewalks and in the parks of Rockwood. For years we operated as a “church without walls,” proving that ministry isn’t about a building – it’s about people and love in action.

After a decade of mobile ministry and many transitions, that long-held dream became a reality. In 2022, through a partnership with local organizations, we established the Rockwood HOPE Center at 740 SE 182nd Ave – right in the neighborhood we love. This center has allowed us to expand our outreach and deepen our roots in Rockwood. What hasn’t changed is our heartbeat: we are still here to do whatever it takes to show people they matter.

Youth Empowerment: The Underground PDX

The Underground PDX is our youth mentorship and fitness program, run in collaboration with the City of Gresham. Youth ages 6th through 12th grade receive free fitness training, sports, and personal mentorship. Our sessions include exercise, healthy snacks, and discussions on leadership and life skills. We also host community service projects, helping teens grow in confidence, character, and purpose.

In addition to weekly fitness sessions, we host  **Sunday Night Youth Group**  that meets from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. This weekly gathering offers games, worship, discussion, and mentorship, helping students grow in faith, confidence, and community. Sunday nights have become a powerful combination of play, purpose, and spiritual growth. We also have Tuesday night Bible studies for the youth boys and girls from 5:30 to 7 pm.

Outreach & Care Programs

We operate Hope Center Homes, a transitional housing program in partnership with Portland Rescue Mission. This program provides stable housing, mentorship, and spiritual care to men transitioning out of homelessness or recovery.

Community Partnerships & Impact

We collaborate with other nonprofits, schools, and service agencies to meet needs holistically. Our partners include Portland Rescue Mission, Rockwood Prep Academy, the City of Gresham, Latino Network, and more. These partnerships help us extend our reach and serve hundreds of individuals each month through food, shelter, mentorship, and community connection.

Looking Ahead

From our beginnings to now, our heart remains the same – people over programs. As we look ahead, we hope to expand our facility and outreach, deepen partnerships, and continue to bring healing and hope to Rockwood. We invite you to visit, serve, or connect with us. Together, we believe the best is yet to come!