Rapper Drake Quietly Helps Portland Faith-Based Rescue Mission to Benefit Homeless
After performing at his concert in Portland last week, rapper Drake stopped by the Union Gospel Mission to donate a substantial amount of cash for the organization that helps feed and keep the homeless warm during Oregon's harsh winter season.
On any given night, more than 3,000 homeless people can be seen posted throughout Portland's city streets, and to help them the organization is in need of donations to continue assisting them through temporary care, as well as addiction recovery and spiritual support.
On its website, the rescue mission urges visitors to donate money, however, they were surprised when they received unexpected help from the rapper.
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"He saw homeless guests sleeping in our dining room through the window," said Stacy Kean, communications director for the organization, to The Christian Post. "His bodyguard buzzed the door and spoke with our night shelter supervisor, David Willis, who stepped outside and talked to Drake and his bodyguard."
She added, "Drake chatted with David and asked him what we were doing, and David explained we had cold weather emergency shelter where we allowed the homeless to sleep on our dining room floor. David said Drake was moved by this and gave a donation on the spot."
According to Portland's CBS affiliate, KOIN News, Willis said Drake's random act of kindness sent a heartfelt message, and one that the organization is thankful for.
"It lets me know that even famous people got to have hearts for those who are less fortunate," said Willis. "It brings them back to reality like, 'Hey I could be here. I could have been there.'"
The organization plans to use the money to purchase more resources for the homeless, including blankets.
Although Drake's undisclosed and unpublicized charity garnered little attention, as he intended, it is not the first time he's lent a hand to those in need. In September, the rap star partnered with fellow rap artist, The Game, to donate more than $22,000 to an Ohio family after losing their home in a devastating house fire.
The New York Daily News reports that the homeowner was working her shift at Burger King when her mobile home caught fire, killing her young children and boyfriend trapped inside.
At the time when the news made headlines, The Game was coincidentally on the phone with Drake as he was reading about the family's tragedy. Both rappers immediately decided to help the woman cover the funeral costs and donated additional funds to help her purchase a new vehicle.
