Armed with white trash bags, rubber gloves and the power of prayer, two women offered up a benediction for the people living on and around Portland’s deadliest block.

“Father,” they intoned in low voices, “death threatens us and our neighbors. We pray for them that they would be lifted out of despair, that darkness and fear would not overwhelm them, that they would have peace and joy in the midst of danger.”

Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).

© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.

Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.