Abstract: A portable hoist arm assembly for coupling to an existing vertical support includes a pair of bars, a pair of first couplers, and a pair of contractors. The bars are pivotally coupled proximate to first termini of the bars. The first couplers are configured to couple to a vertical support. Each contractor is coupled to and extends between a respective first coupler and an associated bar proximate to the first terminus. The bars are configured to be positioned so that second termini of the bars abut the vertical support. A first bar extends substantially perpendicularly from the vertical support. A second bar extends angularly and downwardly from the first bar to the vertical support. The contractors are positioned to contract to couple the bars to the vertical support. A connector is coupled to the first bar proximate to the first terminus and is configured to couple to a hoist line.