Agape is the Greek word for unconditional love. It's also the name of a modest center on the central Oregon coast where anyone without a home is welcomed in for a shower, a meal, and a moment to breathe.
Even though Lincoln County is considered a rural area on the central Oregon coast, it is quite diverse in its needs and offerings — and home to people from all walks of life.
Here on the coast, people work hard for what they have. But sometimes in this tough economy, dollars don't stretch as far as they used to and people struggle. Most of our most vulnerable citizens have no roof over their heads and are living rough lives out on the streets.
Agape Respite Center has taken up the mantle of helping the homeless in our county after the closure of Grace Wins Haven — a nonprofit refuge that, for years, was a giver of hope and compassion to those in greatest need.
At Agape, we strive to provide basic needs to those without homes in our community: clothing, food, water, camping gear, and a place to shower and even have mail delivered. We also provide referrals to local services to help people get back on their feet.
We are determined to provide a respite for our houseless neighbors — and to join hands with people who have a desire to make a difference through item donations, monetary donations, and acts of service. By working together, we can spread kindness, compassion, and hope to those who need it the most.
Every person who walks in the door is greeted by name when we know it, and treated as a guest — not a case.
A shower, a meal, a clean shirt. None of it depends on belief, sobriety, paperwork, or a good day.
We are neighbors helping neighbors. The people we serve live here too — and the work belongs to all of us.
When Grace Wins Haven closed, the people they served still needed a place to go. Agape opened its doors to carry that mission forward — the same posture of welcome, the same belief that grace and dignity should never be in short supply.
Following the closure of Grace Wins Haven, a group of neighbors and former volunteers begin meeting to figure out how to keep showers, lunches, and laundry available somewhere in Newport.
Agape Respite Center is founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, taking up the mantle of providing basic services and a respite to Lincoln County's houseless community.
Hot lunches, sack lunches, hot showers, laundry, mail, clothing, camping gear, and warm hand-offs to other services — offered together, every week.
We're working toward a steady base of recurring donors so we never have to turn anyone away. Every gift, large or small, is part of getting there.