2020 was a year of incredible need and generosity. Blanchet House served more than 500,000 meals which is a 60% increase from 2019. Thank you for supporting our work to ease suffering.
News
Baking Club Brings Socially Distanced Students Together to Fight Hunger
A mutual love of baking turned into a way to spread joy to people going through a difficult time. Stoller Middle School’s Baked with Care Club started when eighth-grade math teacher, Jennifer Swartz, wanted to find a way to connect with students while having to teach remotely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rechargeable Lanterns for Homeless
Blanchet House collecting and giving out rechargeable lanterns after a houseless woman died in a tent fire.
Where to Eat for Free on Christmas Day
Places offering FREE hot meals on Christmas Day in Portland. Blanchet House does not serve meals on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day so that our shelter residents can enjoy a day of rest.
5 Ways To Help Someone Experiencing Homelessness
Staff from Blanchet House of Hospitality in Portland offer tips on the best ways for you to help someone experiencing homelessness.
Host a Clothing Drive for Your Houseless Neighbors
If you are able, gather up some friends, family, and items to donate to those in need. It could be something as simple as a few sweaters in your closet that you haven’t worn in ages.
Pat Daley: A Smile that Made You Feel Welcome
Beloved former Blanchet House resident and employee Patrick Daley passed away on October 10, 2020, following a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
Inspired by Dorothy Day: Human Warmth and Kindness Live Here
The amount of suffering we have seen in 2020 is significant but so is the amount of kindness extended.
Where to Find Free Meals on Thanksgiving Day in Portland
There are several confirmed organizations in downtown Portland that will serve Thanksgiving dinner to anyone in need of a meal on Thursday. Please note that Blanchet House of Hospitality is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Their Legacy: A Living Monument to Charity
Every day someone in need of help comes to Blanchet House and leaves with renewed hope thanks to the generosity of our founders and their families.
Portland’s Homelessness Crisis: One Man’s Path Out
“You saved my life over and over again when I was sick and down and out. You cared enough to feed me when I was cold, wet, and dangerous. Thank you for caring. Thank God that I am alive and housed and working now. There are so many people with dual diagnosis camped out on the street. When you take those two together [mental illness and addiction] you have a mess on your hands. I couldn’t recognize my disorder at the time. It took a lot of help to get me to where I am today.”
Food Rescue Feeds Community and Helps Environment
America has a serious food waste problem and Blanchet House has a system to solve it! We’re a one-of-a-kind charity kitchen serving hundreds of people delicious meals daily thanks in part to food rescued from local grocery stores. All food scraps and leftovers are then taken to Blanchet Farm for the pigs to eat.
Small Acts of Kindness Help Homeless Survive
There is a way for everyone to help alleviate suffering in their community from volunteering to donating money. A seemingly small act of service can help improve someone’s situation, get them on their feet, and give hope for better days to com
Alcohol Led to Homelessness, a Hot Meal Led Him to a Home
Homelessness nearly killed Chad. After three months on the street, a brutal fight over a stolen tent landed him in the hospital with staples in his head. With nowhere safe to recuperate, he needed help.
Battling Indifference to Human Suffering
The COVID-19 crisis, and the economic strain accompanying it, has increased stress on our guests tremendously, especially for those experiencing mental illness or addiction.
Sack Lunch Program Expands Meal Service During COVID-19
“These bags are positive ripples in the pond, instead of all the negative things in our lives.” –Angel, meal guest
More Than 2,000 Meals Served Daily
The line for meals now stretches three blocks for Blanchet House’s to-go meals. We’re seeing a 100% increase in the need for food in Portland.
Blanchet House serves to-go meals, takes-in closed restaurants’ food during COVID19 outbreak
In accordance with Gov. Kate Brown’s order to ban all seated dining of 25 people or more, we have pivoted to serving to-go meals. Our cafe doors are still open to the hungry three times a day,
Success Story: Moving On After Making Change
“A long time ago I didn’t have hope but now I do,” says departing and much loved Blanchet House resident, Jay Mac. You may remember Jay as a superstar cafe host who was featured in a KGW television news segment with Joey Harrington in 2018. Jay gained recognition from the
Rebuilding His Life by Helping Others
If you have visited our café recently, you will notice there are a few changes that make the room feel even more welcoming. Decorative pumpkins line our windows, soy sauce packets are put on the table, and guests who knock on our windows after meal service receive a sandwich brought
Lend a Helping Hand Brunch, March 7
Rechargeable Lantern Drive
Our History: Started in 1952 by a Group of Friends
Some of the founders of Blanchet House of Hospitality in the old kitchen circa 2011.