Blanchet House is planning to open a 75-bed overnight shelter for women in the city’s NW neighborhood. Named Bethanie’s Room, the shelter aims to provide a safe sleeping environment and connect women to life-improving services. Currently, there is only one same-day emergency shelter for women to access on the west side of Portland, at the Salvation Army. Other shelters require cumbersome referrals during business hours and have long waitlists.

“So glad we will have another spot to refer the women we serve at City Team Portland‘s Night Strike! Thank you for stepping out and taking this on! I know that it is NO SMALL endeavor!” wrote Lance Orton, Director of City Team.

Shelter is a Matter of Life and Death

Named in memory of Bethanie, a Blanchet House guest who died while sleeping outside due to a lack of nearby shelter options, Bethanie’s Room aims to prevent similar tragedies. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need for more compassionate, community-based solutions to homelessness. Bethanie’s struggles with mental health led her to be homeless. She was known and cared for by the staff at Blanchet House.

Bethanie as a teen in an undated photo from her family.

“Bethanie’s Room is not just a program—it’s a moral imperative. We’ve lost too many women like Bethanie. We’ve also served countless others who arrive for breakfast after surviving another night of violence, terror, fear, and trauma,” says Scott Kerman, Blanchet House’s Executive Director.

The shelter will occupy a long-vacant building at 1015 NW 17th Ave, near Interstate 405 and Radio Cab’s depot. Blanchet House has been searching for an affordable and nearby building to its Old Town location. The Blanchet House board will vote soon on purchasing the property. If approved, renovations and permit processes would follow, with the goal of opening as soon as October, before cold weather sets in.

A Critical Shortage of Beds for Women

“There is a critical shortage of beds dedicated to women experiencing unsheltered homelessness. The vast majority of these women have experienced physical abuse or sexual violence, making coed shelters feel unsafe. Rose Haven is thrilled to be in collaboration with Blanchet House,” said Katie O’Brien, Executive Director pf Rose Haven, a day space for women that offers laundry and shower facilities within walking distance of Bethanie’s Room.

Blanchet House had previously explored a different location in Southwest Portland at the former St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, but pivoted after determining the site would not allow for the shelter model they envisioned. The Slabtown location offers an opportunity near women’s day services, such as Rose Haven and Blanchet House, where trained Peer Support Specialists work with individuals to address challenges to housing.

“I sleep in a doorway or walk around all night. It would feel a lot safer in a shelter,” says Kasie, who is experiencing homelessness in Portland.

Blanchet House is committed to being good neighbors. We want the women we serve to feel safe, as well as our future neighbors. We’ve already begun introducing ourselves to nearby residents and businesses, and we want to hold another community meeting when we can secure access to a larger space.

The shelter will be privately funded through the generosity of Blanchet House’s donors, without financial support from the City of Portland or Multnomah County. Blanchet House plans to raise the remaining $1.3 million from compassionate donors this year.

“Why is Blanchet House & Farm opening an overnight emergency shelter for women?” says Kerman, “Because it will save lives. It’s that simple—and that urgent.”

Blanchet House Executive Director Scott Kerman answers questions from neighbors at a community event on May 31, 2025, at The Triple Lindy tavern—located across the street from the future site of Bethanie’s Room.

Neighborhood Engagement

The first neighborhood information session took place Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to noon. The generous owners of The Triple Lindy, across the street from the proposed site, hosted more than 50 people. The event served as an introduction between Blanchet House and its future neighbors. Blanchet House’s Executive Director spoke and answered questions from attendees. Brandy Westerman, Portland’s Emergency Humanitarian Director, spoke. She will brief the mayor on neighbors’ concerns and priorities related to the project.

“Bethanie’s Room is an important step in the future that Portland is building, one in which no one is forced to live unsafe on the streets. It is more than a shelter, it’s a testament that everyone deserves safety, dignity, and hope,” said Portland Mayor Keith Wilson.

Blanchet House also operates a free meal program and men’s residential program in Old Town and at Blanchet Farm in Carlton, OR.  Though this is a private undertaking, the organization is working closely with the City of Portland to address neighborhood livability concerns.

We all want to see our city thrive. And we believe everyone, including women suffering outside, deserves the chance to be safe and rest. We want our community to feel proud of what we’re building and strive to create a model of a women’s homeless shelter done right.

We will announce the next community meeting on our website and notify neighborhood associations. Following the initial meeting, Blanchet House plans to meet regularly with interested neighbors to help ensure the shelter’s success. Find more information about Bethanie’s Room at blanchethouse.org/bethaniesroom.

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Gardening and addiction recovery have a lot in common. Both take time, care, commitment, and the right environment to grow and heal. This connection is proven every day at Blanchet Farm in Oregon, where residents in recovery build skills, reconnect with the land, and grow nourishing food through gardening. 

We strive to offer opportunities for hands-on work outdoors while also being thoughtful stewards of the land we’re entrusted with. 

Blanchet Farm residents built raised beds for the garden.

Gardening offers people a way to experience and take part in recovery. Planting seeds, caring for growing plants, and harvesting food can be both healing and deeply symbolic for those working to rebuild their lives. It also provides a meaningful sense of purpose and accomplishment. 

“I find peace in the garden and I always have,” says W.D., a current Blanchet Farm resident. “I love being outside and working on something. You learn a lot of valuable skills along with it. You also get an amazing return.”

The vegetable garden at Blanchet Farm is well underway thanks to the leadership of a current resident with a green thumb. So far this spring, residents have planted greens, carrots, radishes, and onions, just to name a few. And several varieties of tomatoes are already starting to perk up around custom-built trellises. 

The first crop of radishes was sent to Blanchet House to be used for meals. 

Blanchet Farm is blessed with 62 acres in Carlton, and we strive to be thoughtful stewards of the land. This means working to improve current practices as well as implementing small-scale sustainable agriculture techniques.  

Permaculture and Sustainable Practices

Looking ahead, Blanchet Farm is establishing a perennial foodscape in partnership with Edible Landscapes of Yamhill County. The design will be guided by the permaculture ethics of Earth care, people care, and future care.  

In a permaculture food forest plants work together in tree guilds to help each other grow and thrive. The fruits and vegetables planted will return year after year and are low maintenance, so the crops will be self-sustaining and provide for current and future residents. 

James Vander Meide and Vicki Gunn of Edible Landscapes collaborated on the design for the Blanchet Farm food forest design. Both individuals have certificates in permaculture design.

Additionally, employing conservation best practices results in rainwater retention and erosion control. Soil-building methods, such as thoughtful use of companion plants, mulch, and cover crops, lead us into a regenerative system that not only feeds people but helps heal the earth.  

“On the human side, the data is clear that gardening has a host of therapeutic benefits. The people working in this food forest will see mental, emotional, and social regeneration. We are thrilled to collaborate with Blanchet Farm to bring this food forest to life,” writes Charlene Doland, the president of Edible Landscapes. 

Ultimately, with the Blanchet Farm garden and food forest, we hope to nurture and enrich the lives of our residents while cultivating a healthier landscape for years to come. 

Ways to Support Blanchet Farm’s Gardening Initiatives

• Visit the McMinnville Farmers Market. Residents will be harvesting crops from the garden to sell at the Blanchet Farm booth on May 29, June 26, and July 24.
• Donate plant starts for the food forest. Email Gabby at gthuillier@blanchethouse.org for the plant list.
• Email Michael at mseid@blanchethouse.org to inquire about group volunteer opportunities at the farm.

The post Blanchet Farm Uses Gardening to Heal People and the Land appeared first on Blanchet House.

At Blanchet House, we talk with people every day who are doing their best to survive under incredibly difficult and inhumane circumstances. Most of them have experienced significant trauma, mental or physical health crises, or systems that failed them long before they walked through our doors. On top of that, people experiencing homelessness are often dehumanized, judged by their appearance, lack of access to hygiene, and the conditions they’re forced to live in.

Here’s the answer to Why are people homeless? Homelessness isn’t usually caused by one thing; it’s the result of a cascade of unfortunate events explained below. The more we understand that, the more compassion we can offer—and the more effectively we can work together toward real solutions to end homelessness.

Common Reasons People Become Homeless

These are the most common reasons people share with us, supported by national reporting and research, and what we witness daily in our community.

1. Lack of Affordable Housing

Finding and keeping an affordable place to live has become increasingly difficult in Portland and across the country. For people with low or fixed incomes, even a small studio apartment can be out of reach, with the average rent around $1,444 a month. At Blanchet House, we talk with many people who are employed but still can’t afford rent.

Why are there so few affordable places to live? In Oregon, OPB reports that the following factors contribute to inefficient housing stock:

• Years of Underbuilding. Oregon needs to build about 29,500 more homes each year to keep pace with growth.
• Population Growth. Oregon’s population grew by nearly 11% between 2010 and 2020, netting Oregon an extra seat in Congress.
• Demographic Change. More people are living alone or with a partner.
• Short-term Rentals or Vacation Homes. Second homes and short-term rentals take away from permanent housing stock.

There can also be significant barriers to securing affordable housing, such as good credit, rental history requirements, and the need for a security deposit plus first month’s rent. Location matters too, especially if you don’t have access to a car or reliable public transportation.

​2. Mental Health Challenges

The impact of mental health challenges in our community is difficult to fully measure, in part because it relies on individuals self-identifying their struggles. What we do know is that mental illness doesn’t discriminate. Many of the houseless people we serve live with conditions like bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), brain injury, severe anxiety, major depressive disorder, or schizophrenia, without the ability to consistently access care. When mental health challenges go untreated, just getting through the day can be overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to maintain a job or stable housing.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 1 in 5 people experiencing homelessness in the U.S. is living with a serious mental health condition. And once you become homeless, it becomes even harder to access care and housing. Without a phone, ID, necessary paperwork, or contact with loved ones, it’s easy to become lost to the streets and estranged from the systems needed to serve you.

3. Substance Use and Addiction

Addiction should be viewed as an illness, not a moral failing. Addiction can contribute to a person’s homelessness by leading to job loss, strained family and friend relationships, and eviction. However, some individuals begin using substances only after becoming homeless, as a way to cope with the stress and trauma.

About 38% of people experiencing homelessness self-identify as having an alcohol use disorder, and 26% report other substance use issues, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless. Recovery from addiction requires quick and easy access to treatment, counseling, and stable housing, resources that are often out of reach. However, there is a severe lack of detox programs, treatment facilities, and transitional housing for people ready to recover. Evidence shows that first having a safe place to live, also known as the Housing First Model, can improve the chances of successful recovery.

As overdose and homelessness rates rise, we need integrated solutions that treat both issues together.

4. Poverty and Job Loss

Many people in our community live paycheck to paycheck. A single financial emergency, like a rent increase, car repair, illness, or job loss, can push someone or a family into homelessness. A 2023 report from the Federal Reserve found that nearly 40% of U.S. adults couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense with cash or savings. At Blanchet House, we regularly meet people dining in our free café who need a little help during lean times, who were recently laid off, or who can’t afford rising rent despite working full-time.

In Portland, OR, the minimum wage is $15.95 per hour. This equates to approximately $2,552 per month for a full-time worker. The average rent for a studio apartment is around $1,444 per month, leaving limited funds for essential needs like food, transportation, and healthcare.

Consider the average monthly costs for these necessities in 2025:

• $92 – TriMet bus pass

• $150–$200 – Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage)

• $60–$100 – Internet

• $40–$60 – Phone

• $500–$1,000 – Health insurance

• $400 – Food

The total estimated monthly costs (excluding rent) range from $1,242 to $1,852. When you add the average rent of $1,444, the full monthly cost of living reaches approximately $2,686 to $3,296. In other words, a full-time minimum wage earner in Portland would spend more than they earn each month. This is what we mean when we say many people are just one unexpected expense away from losing their housing.

It’s also important to recognize intergenerational poverty. Childhood poverty can hinder economic mobility in adulthood, creating a cycle of disadvantage that persists across generations. Where children grow up is strongly correlated with whether they experience poverty later in life due to access to resources like good schools.

5. Systemic Inequities and Racism

A person’s homelessness is not just about individual circumstances, it’s also about systems. Racism—both historic and ongoing—plays a major role in who becomes homeless and who has access to housing, employment, healthcare, and opportunity.

In Multnomah County, Black residents make up just 2.5% of the general population but account for 6% of people experiencing homelessness, according to the 2023 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness. This disproportionate impact is not a coincidence. It reflects generations of policies and practices that have excluded people of color from stable housing and economic security. For generations, a white supremacist system denied home loans to Black families and other communities of color, locking them out of homeownership, the primary way American families build generational wealth.

6. Family Conflict and Domestic Violence

Many of the women and youth we serve became homeless after fleeing abusive homes. Without financial resources or a safe place to go, they often turn to shelters or the streets for survival. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women, with approximately 63% of homeless women reporting experiences of domestic violence in adulthood, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

This reality is especially stark for LGBTQ+ youth, who often face family rejection. In 2022, The Trevor Project reported that 28% of LGBTQ youth had experienced homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives.

7. Criminal Record

A report by the Prison Policy Initiative finds that formerly incarcerated people are nearly 10 times more likely to be homeless than the general public. Incarceration can lead to the immediate loss of both housing and employment, leaving individuals without a place to live or a means of support upon release. People with criminal records often face discrimination when applying for housing and jobs. This makes it even more difficult to find stability and rebuild their lives.

A nonviolent felony, such as property damage, theft, or possession of controlled substances, can remain on a person’s record permanently unless it is expunged. Even if the offense occurred more than a decade ago, it can still prevent someone from securing housing due to fear and discrimination.

Why Understanding Homelessness Matters

When you ask Why Are People Homeless, know that there’s rarely a single reason why someone becomes homeless. But instead it is often the result of overlapping challenges. Homelessness isn’t a reflection of personal failure but of systems that have failed to provide support when it was needed most.

At Blanchet House, we see the humanity in everyone. Each person we serve deserves compassion, not judgment. Ending homelessness starts with empathy. Then continues through action by advocating for housing, supporting recovery, and building communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.

If you still have questions about homelessness after reading this, please email us at info@blanchethouse.org.

–Written by Julie Showers

The post Why Are People Homeless appeared first on Blanchet House.

Bob Wendover, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson, and Eric Shumway at the Lend a Helping Hand Brunch held at the Portland Art Museum on March 2.

A Morning of Inspiration

We were grateful to be able to gather in support of Blanchet House & Farm at the annual Lend a Helping Hand Brunch on March 2, 2025, at the Portland Art Museum! Thanks to our community’s generosity, we raised more than $435,000 to provide food, shelter, and hope.

We were honored to hear from Mayor Keith Wilson, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and Representative Maxine Dexter, who spoke about the importance of coming together to care for our community. And Oregon’s First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson attended!

Blanchet’s Executive Director, Scott Kerman, urged us to do more to help, and inspired us with plans to open Bethanie’s Room, an emergency over-night shelter for women in 2025.

Watch Videos

Photo Gallery

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Former residents Bob Wendover and Eric Shumway shared their journey from homelessness to launching their own handyman business, ActSpeak—a powerful reminder that second chances truly change lives.

We were so happy that Blanchet House co-founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr., 97 (pictured) made it out to brunch with us. Jim and his friends got together in 1952 to open Portland’s first House of Hospitality.

Blanchet House co-founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr. speaks with Katie Henessey at the Lend a Helping Hand Brunch on March 2, 2025.

Emcee Misty Marquam moved us with a personal story about reconnecting with her estranged father—who she later learned had once been a diner at Blanchet House. Her experience was an important reminder that our work impacts not only those we serve but also their loved ones. [Watch Video]

The morning was also filled with music, thanks to Maureen “Mo” Briare on the harp, and a heartfelt blessing from Father Gary Smith, who spoke about the isolation many of our guests face.

We had fun giving away beautifully crafted wood items from Blanchet Farm’s woodshop, including a special custom piece by Sam Cook. Plus, we drew the lucky winner of the travel raffle—congratulations to them! [Watch Raffle Drawing Video]

AND a huge thank you to emcee Rich Ulring for giving his time and reminding us of the power of small acts of kindness with a beautiful quote from Dorothy Day, the inspiration for Blanchet House of Hospitality:

“People say, what is the sense of our small effort? They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time. A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. Each one of our thoughts, words, and deeds is like that.”

Hands-On Giving: Care Kits for Our Guests

We didn’t just raise money—we took action! Together, we packed 256 care kits filled with essential hygiene and comfort items for our homeless guests, which were handed out during meal services this week. Pictured is our guest, Mal, who picked up a care kit on his way out of the café. He shared that the bath wipes, socks, and gloves were especially appreciated. These small but meaningful items bring so much comfort and dignity to those in need. Thank you for participating.

Join Us!

Are you interested in attending or sponsoring next year’s Lend a Helping Hand Brunch? We would love to have you join us! Please contact Steve Cook at scook@blanchethouse.org or 503-241-4340 ext. 103.

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Radical hospitality is an ideology that goes beyond traditional notions of being polite or welcoming. The goal of our services is to meet people where they are, offering immediate assistance with minimal hurdles, which can include providing shelter, food, clothing, and human connection.

This approach recognizes that people experiencing homelessness and poverty often face complex challenges. Radical hospitality aims to provide support in a non-judgmental environment to foster trusting relationships.

From serving nourishing meals to helping people find safe housing, the combined efforts of our staff, volunteers, and supporters have made a real difference and touched countless lives. Let’s look at the year in numbers!

Guests enjoy a meal in Blanchet House’s cafe.

Feeding the Hungry

402,876 Meals Served

We’re proud to serve an average of more than 1,100 meals every day to those in need. Whether it’s for our residents or guests, feeding so many people three times a day often feels like a miracle—especially for those visiting our café for the first time. It’s all thanks to you, our community, making sure no one goes hungry.

570,000 Pounds of Good Food Rescued

We’re proud to have rescued 285 tons of quality, unexpired food, helping to reduce waste and ensure that our neighbors facing hunger have access to nutritious meals. While buying food is still necessary, rescuing food plays a huge role in our work, is essential to our mission, and allows us to share with our partners.

Referrals to Shelter, Housing, and More

In December 2024 alone, Peer Support Specialist Duke meaningfully engaged with 313 guests of our cafe. He provided 117 people with shelter referrals, 51 with housing connections, and 45 with referrals to detox or medical care. His tireless work showcases Blanchet House’s commitment to holistic care.

A Peer Support Specialist shares shelter information with a guest at Blanchet House.

Residential Programs

Blanchet House in Old Town: 117 Men Given Refuge

• Our transitional housing programs continue to offer men respite, community, and support to improve their lives.
• We provided a total of 6,087 nights of shelter in our Old Town program.
• The average resident stayed with us for 201 days before moving on to housing or other solutions.
• We ended 2024 with a full house of 45 residents.

Blanchet Farm in Carlton

• 24 men found refuge at the farm in 2024, with the average staying with us for 105 days before moving on.
• We’re beginning the year with 14 residents and a growing and thriving community.

A volunteer clears a plate in Blanchet House’s cafe.

Volunteer Contributions

26,888 Volunteer Hours

We saw a 5% increase in volunteer hours from 2023, showing just how much people want to aid their neighbors in need. Volunteers are truly the heart of everything we do, making each meal possible.

Blanchet House and Farm’s positive impact is only possible because of support from YOU. Together, we’re building a more compassionate community where hunger, homelessness, and addiction are addressed with dignity, care, and hope. Thank you for being part of the solution.

The post A Big Year for Radical Hospitality appeared first on Blanchet House.

I believe it’s customary for an end-of-year letter to look back at the year that was, but I’d rather look forward and prepare for what lies ahead. As you know, Blanchet House & Farm exists to alleviate suffering and promote hope for people struggling with homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty. I must report that the need for our good work has never been greater. Every day, more people come to us seeking a wide variety of aid.

Because of you, Blanchet House feeds, clothes, shelters, and heals thousands of people. What’s more, the aid we provide together profoundly expresses our shared humanity. By serving with compassion and without judgment, we affirm our guests’ dignity and remind them—and ourselves—that things can get better.

There is hope, even as our community continues to face a lack of affordable housing and centers for mental health and drug intervention services. As leaders work toward solutions to this humanitarian crisis, Blanchet House & Farm plays an important role in bridging the gaps in available services. Fifty men stay with us at Blanchet House and 24 at the farm at a time. That’s 74 communities of family and friends who are now healing and receiving renewed hope for their loved ones.

People like Greg (pictured above) who recently completed his stay at Blanchet Farm where he regained sobriety, learned new skills like beekeeping, and gained the confidence he needed to get back to his community.

“I completed what I set out to do at the farm. I’m sober and ready for the next step,” Greg said. “I’m moving to a sober living house and got a job driving a bus. Thank you all for your involvement in my recovery.”

In the year ahead, we will be able to help more people like Greg connect to emergency shelters, mental health support, and addiction recovery services. More than serving meals, we’re getting people the resources they need to survive and thrive.

As we approach winter—a cold, wet, and torturous season for the houseless people we serve—we need your help to offer a warm cafe, nutritious meals, and most importantly hope. A gift from you shows our guests that you believe they are worthy of compassion, and that it’s never too late to restore their lives. We can’t do this humanitarian work without you, so please give today, and if you’ve already given your end-of-year gift we thank you.

With deepest gratitude,

Scott Kerman
Executive Director, Blanchet House & Farm

P.S. Don’t miss us in Willamette Week’s Give!Guide campaign where you can stretch your donation even further and take advantage of some great incentives and prizes.

The post What Lies Ahead? Need for Homeless Support Services appeared first on Blanchet House.

NEXT FOOT CARE CLINIC: TBD

Contact info@blanchethouse.org with questions.

Volunteer nurses host foot care clinics for people living homeless or unable to access care by transforming public areas into a cozy spa with multiple care stations and often live music played by harpist and fellow nurse Maureen “Mo” Briare.

The feet of people experiencing homelessness or poverty are often neglected and can cause them much misery. Ill-fitting shoes, no shoes, wet socks, and walking long distances to meet your basic needs contribute to poor foot health.

“Walk and walk and walk,” says Jennifer Coon, a Peer Support Specialist at Blanchet House who’s experienced homelessness. “They sometimes won’t take their shoes off for weeks at a time for fear of them being stolen.”

Nurse Practitioner Emily Harrington explains the need for foot care among people who are homeless.

“This population is at increased risk of peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, osteoporosis, and poor immunity,” she says. “Foot injuries are common due to accidents, assault, as well as self-neglect. Good hygiene can be difficult to access and even when available, and it is often offered in the form of shared showers which can invite other foot ailments.”

Nurse Practitioner Emily Harrington observes a volunteer nurse care for a man’s feet during a pop-up event in Blanchet House’s parking lot.

Foot Care for Homeless: A Chance to be Treated

In the days prior to the clinics, Coon personally invites Blanchet’s meal guests to attend. The trust she develops with people living on Portland’s streets helps to ease anxiety around receiving medical care from a stranger.

“The foot clinic is amazing, absolutely amazing! We turn our garage into kind of an oasis,” says Jennifer Coon, a Peer Support Specialist at Blanchet House. “It’s so beautiful to welcome people inside. They can sit down for 45 minutes and just be loved on, be spoiled, I guess you could say. The harp music playing is beautiful, absolutely beautiful.”

Each guest has their feet washed, treated, moisturized, and massaged at one of six stations. Treatment lasts for approximately 45 minutes depending on the level of care needed. Should they choose guests can receive new socks, a pair of shoes, and an additional pair of odor-repelling insoles all bundled in a reusable tote bag.

If you’d like to help, the nurses are always in need of new socks for men and women in cotton or wool. Dark colors are preferred.  New Athletic shoes and boots for both men and women are also needed. Sizes generally range from women 7-11 and men 9-13.

Contact Blanchet House for details on the next foot care clinic at info@blanchethouse.org or call 503-241-4340.

–by Julie Showers

Make Hygiene Care Kits for People Experiencing Homelessness

A care kit contains essential relief items like clean socks, a rain poncho, gloves, bath wipes, and snacks that offer comfort to someone living outdoors in difficult conditions.

Learn More

The post Foot Care for Homeless appeared first on Blanchet House.

The event was MC’d by Executive Director Scott Kerman. Long-time board member Rich Ulring gave a blessing and led the crowd in a call-and-response sing-along. A new resident of the farm, William, shared a land acknowledgment and his appreciation for the opportunity to stay at the farm. Blanchet House Board President Mary Ann Walker thanked donors and staff who persevered to complete the project.

Lead donor Dr. Jeff Heatherington with The Heatherington Foundations for Innovation and Education in Healthcare spoke to attendees about the importance of supporting children through health care and school to set them up for healthier lives as adults.

Ross Sears, who’s managed the farm for more than a decade after going through the program to gain sobriety told the crowd, “When we get here, we don’t have a lot to feel good about. The farm gives you something to feel good about.”

The decorative saw used to cut the ribbon was hand-painted by Rob Moody while he was a participant in the program at Blanchet Farm. The saw will be hung in the new dormitory.

Pictured: Newberg, Oregon-based artist Angelina Octavia stands next to her oil painting of the landscape surrounding Blanchet Farm. The painting will hang in the new facility and prints will be given to donors.

Pictured: Guests at Blanchet Farm’s Grand Opening were asked to write messages of encouragement to hang on a plum tree that will be planted near the new facility.

Pictured: William, a resident of Blanchet Farm, stands next to the welcome sign made by previous resident Lucas Pattison. William spoke at the grand opening of Blanchet Farm’s new facility and delivered a land acknowledgment.

Members of Blanchet House & Farm’s Board and donors saw a ribbon at the Grand Opening of Blanchet Farm’s new facility. Also pictured are Director Scott Kerman, Farm Manager Ross Sears, and Dr. Jeff Heatherington who gave $1.25 million for the construction of the new building. The decorative saw used to cut the ribbon was hand-painted by Rob Moody while he was a participant in the program at Blanchet Farm.

Demand for inclusion into the farm’s unique rural program led the organization to embark on this ambitious project to construct a 14,000-square-foot mixed-use building. In addition to dormitories, there are now offices for social ventures like the farm’s honey and woodshop that will support the nonprofit mission of the farm. A state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area, space for job skills education, as well as communal areas for the community, will provide an elevated living space. The communal areas will provide room for Yamhill County residents to attend on-site Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings.
The new farm facility will operate using clean solar energy.

Blanchet House was selected by Portland General Electric’s 2022 Renewable Development Fund to receive a grant for a solar energy program at the farm. The Renewable Development Fund, which awards grants for clean energy projects in the community, is fully funded by PGE’s Green FutureSM customers.
Schommer & Sons are the general contractors and SERA Architects are the project architects. Major funders for this project include the Heatherington Foundation for Innovation and Education in Health Care, PGE Foundation, ECHO Fund, the Joseph E Weston Foundation, and HEDCO Foundation, along with other generous supporters.

–by Julie Showers

It’s not too late to support the important program at Blanchet Farm. Donate today and you will be invited to tour and celebrate the new facility at our community event on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10-1. DONATE >>

The post Grand Opening of New Facility at Blanchet Farm appeared first on Blanchet House.

We’re excited to announce the release of Toby Finds a Home, a story about homelessness and helping each other, beautifully illustrated by Eva Wrzesinski. In Toby Finds a Home, published by Blanchet House, young readers follow a stray cat as he searches for food, shelter, and friendship. A key tenant of Blanchet House’s mission is to alleviate suffering by building compassion for people experiencing poverty, hunger, and homelessness–an aim this book seeks to achieve.

Toby’s nose carries him to Blanchet House’s free cafe, where he meets a diverse cast of characters who are also experiencing homelessness. Through Toby’s encounters, children learn about the many ways someone can come to find themselves experiencing homelessness, humanizing a complex issue.

Service and Discussion Guides

As homelessness becomes more visible to young children, they may ask tough questions about what they’re seeing. Often parents and educators don’t know what to say. Toby Finds a Home can serve as a starting point for learning about the causes of homelessness. If children feel inspired to help after reading, we have suggestions for ways they can get involved in the guide, Fostering Compassion: 5 Ways for Children to Help Their Neighbors in Need. From hosting clothing drives to packing sack lunches, Blanchet House offers actionable ways children can help those in need, encouraging empathy in a tangible way.

In addition to the service guide, teachers can download a free discussion and classroom activity guide to facilitate deeper conversations and learning.

Toby Finds a Home co-authors, Marie and Julie Showers.

Co-authors Marie and Julie Showers wrote a simple yet meaningful story that invites children to think deeply about the world around them. Parts of the story and its characters were created in collaboration with students from the graphic and design department at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA). Students include Michele Saiz, Emmy Wilkinson, Mikayal Greg, and Jonah Zayas.

The vibrant illustrations by Portland-based artist Eva Wrzesinski (they/them) bring the characters to life.

Proceeds from the sale of Toby Finds a Home will help fund the Blanchet House’s critical social services and programs.

The book is available for purchase directly from Blanchet House and local bookstores like Green Bean Books, Broadways Books, and Powell’s Books.

Purchase Toby Finds a Home for $19.95 plus shipping.

The post New! We Wrote a Children’s Book, Toby Finds a Home appeared first on Blanchet House.

Hassan and David met in Blanchet House’s residential program and have grown to be good friends and supporters of each other. You can hear them laughing and joking in the hall, which lightens the mood and lifts spirits.

Though they come from very different backgrounds, they share the need for a safe refuge to pursue opportunities that will improve their life’s direction.

Hassan had a difficult childhood spent in a Kenyan refugee camp with his family after they were displaced by war. He’s now enrolled in college and works hard, giving back in the kitchen. David came to Blanchet seeking to build sobriety with a supportive community. He’s now working full-time for Clean & Safe, a city janitorial program.

Both men have accomplished so much in a short time and are inspiring others in the residential program.

Hassan (left) and David (right) became good friends after meeting each other as roommates in Blanchet House’s residential program.

Evolving to Help More

Over the years, our program has adapted by offering shelter to people who are not only struggling with addiction but have other barriers to housing and employment.

“Lately I’m getting calls from men looking for a place to stay because they’re homeless due to mental health issues, lost their job and need help applying for disability, finished detox, or are staying in a sleeping bag in a relative’s garage. It happens all the time,” says Kristi Katzke, Intake Coordinator for Blanchet House. “The friends or family won’t let him sleep indoors but he can sleep in the garage or backyard.”

Our program is often at capacity, which means we are housing up to 50 men at a time. Because people are in a state of transition, beds in the house can open up without our planning. Kristi then contacts someone on the waitlist and welcomes them in. It’s a special day for a person when they are shown their room, given clean sheets and clothes, and then invited to eat a great meal in the café. After a chance to settle in, shower, and sleep, they start the next day working in the kitchen.

Case Manager Kristi Katzke with Steel, a resident of Blanchet House.

Who’s Staying at Blanchet House?

We are now providing temporary housing to men who are:

Employed but Houseless

This includes men who are employed full-time but have recently lost housing and need a bed. There is a great need for this type of housing, so we created a few “working beds.”

Residents staying in a working bed are not required to serve in the kitchen so they can keep their jobs outside of Blanchet House. These beds are critical to keeping employed people from falling into homelessness and spiraling further away from housing.

Refugee or Marginalized

There are asylum seekers from other countries who have nowhere to live once they arrive, and as single men, their options are limited. Many have had their lives threatened because of their sexual identity or ethnicity.

Recuperating

Some of our residents have lost their employment and housing after suffering a medical crisis like cancer, a stroke, an accident, or chronic disease. They need a temporary place to recuperate which is not easy to find if you don’t have family or savings.

Impoverished Senior Citizen

More older Americans are finding it difficult to hold on to housing while living on social security or a limited income. It takes time to find a new place to live and Blanchet House offers a place of transition.

Housing manager Jennifer Coon with David, a resident of Blanchet House.

One Thing in Common

Something that everyone who stays with us is experiencing is a lack of access to suitable affordable housing. It can take months and even years to secure an affordable place on a small income, social security, or disability.

Your donation can end and prevent someone’s homelessness by providing them with a bed at Blanchet House. Thank you for caring for our residents.

The post Evolving to Serve Diverse Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness appeared first on Blanchet House.