A Gift to the Community
We were honored to celebrate the grand opening of Bethanie’s Room, our new overnight women’s shelter, with a small group eager to share this gift with the community.
Among those in attendance was Jim O’Hanlon Sr., 98, who co-founded Blanchet House of Hospitality in 1952. Bethanie’s parents, Shelley and Rick Johnson, also joined us, helping prepare the shelter and sharing their reflections.
Several elected officials were present, including Congresswomen Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter.
Congresswoman Dexter reflected, “This space is an act of refusal to look away.”
The event was emceed by Co-Interim Directors Steve Cook and Emily Coleman, and we also heard powerful reflections from Peer Support Specialists Lexie Taylor and Charitie Johnson with PDX Peers. The event was attended by Blanchet House board members, staff, supporters, and donors. It was a true labor of love by our staff in the preceding weeks to get everything in place. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible team from Schommer & Sons Construction.
Shelley and Rick Johnson, the parents of Bethanie Johnson, spoke at the grand opening of the women’s shelter named to honor their daughter. Photo by Christine Dong.
Cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of Bethanie’s Room women’s shelter on Jan. 29, 2026. Photo credit Christine Dong.
In her remarks, Bethanie’s Room Director Shelly Bancroft grounded the moment in both purpose and urgency. She shared that Bethanie’s Room exists for something simple and essential: safety, dignity, and rest. These are not luxuries, she reminded us, but necessities.
At the time of Bethanie’s tragic death while experiencing homelessness, there were no overnight women’s shelters in downtown Portland. That gap had real consequences.
“Once we learned of Bethanie’s death and how it could have been avoided, we knew we had to open a space for women so they could safely sleep at night,” Shelly said. “There are so many Bethanies out there.”
Displayed together are a senior portrait of Bethanie, an award-winning drawing she created, and her handwritten list titled 50 Things I Want to Do Before I Die.
Bethanie’s Room officially opens to the public on February 9 and will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., seven days a week, year-round, welcoming up to 75 women each night. The shelter is privately funded, owned, and operated by Blanchet House.
Unlike most emergency shelters, Bethanie’s Room will allow women to safely store their belongings, including larger carts.
Shelly Bancroft and Emily Coleman unload mattresses donated by Mattress Firm for the women staying at Bethanie’s Room.
Designed With Care and Intention
Every aspect of the space was designed with trauma-informed care at the center. From the color of the curtains and carpets to the lighting and layout, nothing was accidental thanks to expert interior designer Hannah Dahlquist of OUI Design. The shelter includes fully dimmable, timed lighting across more than 20 zones, sound-masking technology to promote calm and privacy, and thoughtful color choices throughout to help create a sense of safety and ease.
Mattress Firm generously donated the beds, mattresses, pillows, and linens, thanks to our partner The National Women’s Shelter Network.
Volunteers paint a section of a mural designed by artist Sarah McCracken at Bethanie’s Room women’s shelter.
Honoring Bethanie’s Life and Creativity
Bethanie’s Room includes deeply personal elements that honor Bethanie’s life, creativity, and spirit. Guests are invited to spend time with her artwork and writings, as well as a community-painted mural titled Walk Through Bethanie’s Garden.
The mural was designed by artist Sarah McCracken. It was intentionally designed so that people of any skill level could help paint it, turning the process itself into an act of connection and shared care. Inspired by Bethanie’s love of music, color, and movement, the mural carries many hands and many stories, reflecting the belief that healing and community are built together.
A great crew of volunteers painted the mural. Bethanie’s family donated supplies, and Ashley Blevins of Benjamin Moore with Powell Paint Center donated the paint.
Beds set up at Bethanie’s Room women’s shelter. The beds were donated by Mattress Firm. Photo by Christine Dong.
How the Shelter Works
Women are welcome to gather from 7 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot, with check-in at 8 p.m. Each guest is offered their own secure storage area, including space for larger items such as bicycles and carts. Guests may leave their belongings at the shelter during the day, allowing greater freedom of movement and stability. Bethanie’s Room allows pets.
Trained Peer Support Specialists will be on-site daily to help women connect to services with the goal of ending homelessness. Partner Rose Haven will provide nearby daytime services such as showers and laundry, and Blanchet House will offer hot meals.
A note on a pillow, written by a supporter, reads, “You are seen. You are loved.” Photo by Christine Dong.
Sixteen new staff members have been hired and trained to lead this work. Many bring lived experience of homelessness, addiction, or shelter stays, strengthening the care offered through empathy, understanding, and hard-earned insight.
Thank you for standing with us, honoring Bethanie’s legacy, and helping create a place where women can rest, recover, and begin to move forward.
Volunteers Needed for Women’s Shelter
Morning Pastries
We’re seeking volunteers to provide light breakfast items for women staying at our overnight shelter. We need individuals or groups who can donate and deliver 25 to 30 pastries or other light breakfast items between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. Sign Up >>
Evening Sack Lunches
We also need volunteers to prepare and drop off sack lunches for the evening. Sack lunch donations are accepted nightly between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Bethanie’s Room, and every Saturday at Blanchet House’s café. The volunteer purchases sack lunch supplies. Sign Up >>
Clothing and Supplies
Because storage is VERY limited, we can only accept the most requested items, which currently are:
- Underwear
- Sweatpants and sweatshirts
- Sneakers and outdoor shoes
- Warm, waterproof coats
- Hygiene supplies: toothbrushes, toothpaste, and body wipes
Drop off new or gently used items at 1015 NW 17th St., Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Please email us at [email protected]g with any questions about how to get involved and help. Thank you for your support!
Blanchet House Founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr.
It was an honor to hear from Blanchet House founder Jim O’Hanlon Sr., 98, at the grand opening of Bethanie’s Room, our new overnight women’s shelter. Jim shared the story of opening a House of Hospitality in Portland at just 24 years old, alongside friends and family from the University of Portland. He also spoke about a gift left by a woman in her will that helped sustain the organization in its earliest days. It was a powerful reminder of how a small group of people, moved by generosity and compassion, can make a lasting difference.
