The doors of Calvary Presbyterian Church Portland now open to the Roseway Recovery Café, starting a new mission for people in crisis that starts with a cup of coffee.

Calvary Presbyterian once supported a membership of several hundred parishioners over the last several decades. Today, that membership has dwindled to less than 20.

The church had room to spare, and was well cared for, but largely empty. It was time to create a new mission in Portland.

The Roseway Recovery Café opened Thursday, offering a space for people in crisis – be it an addiction, facing homelessness, or mental illness.

"We say that the opposite of addiction is connection, and so there is a need all over," said Tracy Jennings, the director of Vancouver Recovery Café.

The café is one of more than 50 across the U.S. and Canada, and feels familiar with its fare of coffee, snacks, and fellowship.

It also serves as a place for people to gather for healing and hope.

“We hope to be able to offer things that enrich people's lives, make their lives fuller and more meaningful," Joan Miller, the pastor and café co-founder.

The church spaces will host recovery meetings, counseling, and support services, as well as art, music, or whatever the cafe members request.

“We wanted to be a place of welcome, and maybe a new ministry,” said Nancy Woo, a member of the church.

For those in addiction, it's a place to show and receive respect, and find comfort in a community focused on recovery.

The Roseway Recovery Cafe is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

After an initial visit, you have to become a member. To keep coming, members have to be 24-hours sober, ready to do some service work at the facility, and to attend recovery meetings.

Founders plan to offer a lunch menu to further open the doors to recovery.