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.

The post Women’s Shelter Coming to NW Portland appeared first on Blanchet House.

It’s time to retire the word “nonprofit” and adopt language that reflects the true identity and impact of social impact and public benefit organizations.

In the late 1960s, as it struggled to stand out in a cola-dominated market, 7-Up launched a wildly successful campaign by defining itself as what it wasn’t: The Un-Cola.  The strategy worked for 7-Up, but as a long-term brand identity, defining yourself by what you’re not is rarely effective. And yet, that’s exactly what many organizations in our tax-exempt human services sector continue to do. We call ourselves nonprofits, a name that literally describes what we aren’t.No one’s quite sure where the term “nonprofit” originated, but there are a few reasons it stuck. Funders, policymakers, and institutions commonly use it in contracts, grants, and legislation, so organizations adopt the term to stay aligned. Many avoid using the term “charity” because it can carry outdated or patronizing connotations by implying pity or dependency rather than empowerment and partnership.

Somewhere along the way, it replaced the word “charity” and became shorthand for “not-for-profit, intended to distinguish mission-driven organizations from for-profit corporations that return earnings to shareholders. Unfortunately, the term has also contributed to a harmful misconception: that it’s somehow wrong or even illegal for these organizations to have surplus revenue.

In reality, a well-run social impact organization must generate more revenue than expenses. That surplus allows us to reinvest in programs, sustain operations during lean periods, and build reserve funds for emergencies. Having a positive bottom line is not just acceptable—it’s essential.

It may surprise you to know that the IRS tax code (501(c)(3)), which governs tax-exempt organizations, rarely even uses the word “nonprofit.” It appears just three times, and mostly about specific types of health care and insurance pooling organizations. The label “nonprofit” isn’t imposed by law. It’s something we’ve chosen to call ourselves.

And that means we can choose differently.

Inspired by Romanita Hairston, the dynamic CEO of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, I’m committing to stop using “nonprofit” as our primary identifier. Instead, I’ll use language that reflects what we are: social impact, public benefit, and human service organizations.

That’s exactly what Blanchet House of Hospitality is. We offer dignity to people in need. We feed, clothe, and shelter those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and neglect. We create spaces of hope and healing for communities burdened by generational trauma and systemic exclusion.

And our work, like that of countless other social impact organizations, is economically significant too. According to the National Council of Nonprofits, these organizations employ 12.3 million people in the U.S. While they may be tax-exempt, their employees are not—and their wages generate substantial tax revenue. These organizations also spend nearly $1 trillion annually on goods and services, fueling local economies across the country.

But the true impact of our work can’t be captured in dollars alone. From frontline disaster response to long-term community care, social impact organizations save lives, offer second chances, and transform futures.

We are not defined by what we’re not. We are builders, healers, advocates, and changemakers. It’s time our language caught up with our mission.

The post It’s Time to Retire the Word ‘Nonprofit’  appeared first on Blanchet House.

There will be a FREE pet care clinic hosted by Blanchet House and Oregon Humane Society on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lan Su Chinese Garden parking lot across from Blanchet at 310 NW Glisan St. in Portland, Oregon. Veterinarian Dr. Robert Mack and his team will provide free vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, pet food, leashes, collars, and more. No appointment is necessary. All are welcome. First come, first served.

Vaccinations offered include:

• Rabies (dogs and cats)
• DAPP for dogs (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus)
• FVRCP for cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia)

Questions? Email Dr. Robert Mack at robertmackdvm@gmail.com.

The post Free Pet Care Clinic 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.

By Scott Kerman

As the Executive Director of Blanchet House, I see the realities of homelessness and housing insecurity in Portland every day. While we all agree that permanent housing solutions are essential, I must emphasize that basic supportive services like food, hygiene, medical care, and social connection are just as critical. These services are lifelines, offering immediate relief while helping people take the first steps toward stability and self-sufficiency. 

The Reality of Homelessness in Portland 

Portland’s homelessness crisis is driven by rising housing costs, economic instability, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. While we must provide more affordable housing, the reality is that many individuals are not yet in a position to secure or maintain stable housing. Without easy access to food, clean clothing, showers, and medical care, they cannot begin to focus on rebuilding their lives. 

At Blanchet House, we serve more than 1,000 free meals each day. For many of our guests, our cafe is their sole source of food for the day. It’s not just about food, though. It’s about dignity, safety, and survival. Providing necessities is the foundation upon which people can begin to address larger challenges. 

A volunteer serves a meal to guests in Blanchet House’s free cafe in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Supportive Services Help Prevent Homelessness

Organizations like Blanchet House are on the front lines, offering direct aid to those in need. Filling the gap in our social safety net.  In addition to meals and supplies, Blanchet House employs highly trained staff who help people access shelter, housing, rehab, and more. Without our programs, individuals living unsheltered or at risk of eviction are left even more vulnerable to violence, illness, and despair. 

Supportive services are also preventative. Blanchet support specialists can connect people to critical aid and care to mitigate a personal crisis. Without these interventions, more people will fall into chronic homelessness, requiring far more intensive and costly services later. 

The Need for Continued and Expanded Support 

Despite their proven effectiveness, many of the services we provide face funding uncertainties amid shifting policy priorities and budget cuts. In fact, Blanchet House will not receive funding for its food and supportive services in the forthcoming Multnomah County budget, a loss of more than $400,000. Even so, Blanchet House cannot afford to turn away from providing these essential programs. The community we serve cries out for us to do more, not less. Blanchet House, then, must continue to invest in supportive services. And since we cannot rely on public funding to help, we must call upon our generous community of donors and supporters.  

A woman lies on the ground. (stock photo)

A Complex Problem Requires Diverse Solutions 

The homelessness crisis in Portland is complex, and no single solution will fix it overnight. However, continuing and expanding supportive services is a crucial piece to solving this puzzle. Ensuring that people have access to food, hygiene, and medical care can mean the difference between languishing on the street to being on a path toward stability. Supporting these essential services is not just an act of compassion—it is a necessary investment in the well-being and safety of our entire community. 

Please donate to fill the gap left by county budget decisions so we can do more, not less. 

The post Supportive Day Center Services Essential to Ending Homelessness 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

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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.

The post Lend a Helping Hand Brunch appeared first on Blanchet House.

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.

Blanchet House staff accept the award for one of the most admired nonprofits in Oregon. Pictured from left to right: Heidi Janowski, Steve Cook, Meg Stark, and Scott Kerman.

Business leaders chose Blanchet House as one of the top three Most Admired Nonprofit in Oregon on Portland Business Journal‘s 2024 list. We are honored that our work to alleviate suffering and offer a path out of homelessness has been recognized. At Blanchet House and Blanchet Farm, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve each day.

The post Blanchet House Voted Most Admired Nonprofit by Portland Business Journal appeared first on Blanchet House.

How To Volunteer on Christmas

We have many ways for you to help our community, including ways you can volunteer on Christmas Day from your home.

• If you would like to volunteer in our cafe on a different day of the year other than Christmas please sign up here.
• You can also find other organizations to volunteer with at Hands On Greater Portland. 
• Email info@blanchethouse.org with any questions.

Make Care Kits

Pack hygiene supplies and more. They will be distributed to guests at Blanchet House. Learn More

Make Sack Lunches

Sign up to donate sack lunches that will be given out on Saturday at Blanchet House. Learn More

Collect or Make Warm Clothing

• Knit or crochet hats for adults experiencing homelessness.
• Hold a drive to collect gently used and new adult-sized socks, gloves, beanies, or other cold-weather items.

Learn more about the types of clothing we need and drop-off hours. Email us at info@blanchethouse.org with questions or to let us know your plans.

The post Where to Eat for Free on Christmas Day appeared first on Blanchet House.

Where to Eat for Free on Thanksgiving

Blanchet House’s cafe is closed on Thanksgiving Day but we have compiled a list of other places offering meals. Please confirm with the organizations listed. Some kitchens serve a traditional Thanksgiving plate of food but others may offer something else.

Last updated: 11/22/2024

Proper’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024,  12-4 p.m. at Celebration Tabernacle, 8131 N. Denver Ave.

Contact ProperPDX.org

City Team

5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thurs., 11/28/24. All welcome!

526 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Portland Rescue Mission

A Thanksgiving meal will be served on Wednesday, 11/27/24, at 5:45 p.m.

Regular meal services will be open on Thursday 11/28/24.

• Breakfast – 7 a.m.
• Dinner – 6 p.m.

111 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
503-906-7690

Union Gospel Mission

Serving a meal from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Thurs, 11/28/24.

3 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209
503-274-4483

St. John the Apostle Church (Oregon City)

Takeout 11:30 to 1. Dine in 11:30 to 2:00.

417 Washington St, Oregon City, OR 97045

We will update this list as we learn about confirmed meal providers. If you want to be added to our list please let us know at info@blanchethouse.org.

Collect or Make Warm Clothing

• Knit or crochet hats for adults experiencing homelessness.
• Hold a drive to collect gently used and new adult-sized socks, gloves, beanies, or other cold-weather items.

Learn more about the types of clothing we need and drop-off hours. Email us at info@blanchethouse.org with questions or to let us know your plans.

Make Care Kits

Pack hygiene supplies and more. They will be distributed to guests at Blanchet House. Learn More

Make Sack Lunches

Sign up to donate sack lunches that will be given out on Saturday at Blanchet House. Learn More

The post Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities and Free Meals appeared first on Blanchet House.