Gain insights from our privately funded women’s shelter data of Bethanie’s Room, reflecting on the experiences of our diverse guests and their needs.
One hundred days ago, we opened the doors to Bethanie’s Room, a women’s shelter in NW Portland, with a simple belief that everyone deserves a safe place to sleep.
In our first 100 days, we’ve served 264 unique individuals. Guests stayed an average of 8 nights. The median age of our guests is 43, with the youngest being 18 and the oldest 77.
Staff reports that they’ve given out at least:
- 66 bus tickets
- 2,008 pieces of clothing
- 87 pairs of shoes
- 983 hygiene items
Staff and guests at Bethanie’s Room women’s shelter in Portland contributed data for this report.
Behind every number is a person with a story.
- You may have heard the term “silver wave” used to describe the growing number of older adults experiencing housing loss. We’re seeing the effects firsthand. A 69-year-old woman, born blind, spent the night sleeping in a park before finding Bethanie’s Room. Within two weeks, staff helped connect her to longer-term housing. She had never experienced homelessness before.
- One woman came to us after fleeing an abusive home for an apartment. Living on disability after a serious car accident, she could no longer afford the rent.
- Another guest came to us after losing their job at a well-known computer company.
Far too many women come to us needing help navigating complex systems and figuring out what options are available to them. It’s not easy to do it alone.
“So many women tell us they finally got a good night’s sleep here, free from worry,” said Shelter Director Shelly Bancroft. “It’s beautiful to watch people open up, smile again, and begin trusting others.”
Peers and Community Are Critical to Our Success
With support from partners such as Rose Haven, PDX Peers, Portland Street Response, hospitals, and emergency social workers, Bethanie’s Room has given at least 31 housing referrals, along with essentials like bus tickets, hygiene items, and clothing. The number is much higher, but it’s not always easy to enter data into a computer while helping someone in crisis.
Some of the most meaningful moments have been the simplest. During a recent spa night, women gathered for facial masks and conversation. One woman had her hair dyed. The small acts of care remind guests they matter.
One of the biggest surprises during these first 100 days has been the community response.
“Some neighbors who were unsure about having a shelter nearby at first have stopped by to tell us they’re glad we’re here,” Shelly shared.
Employees from J.P. Morgan’s Campbell Global volunteered to assemble 26 bed frames at Bethanie’s Room, a women’s shelter.
Thank You to Our Hardworking Staff
Our dedicated staff works graveyard shifts while navigating guests’ health issues, complex needs, and the daily challenge of keeping the shelter clean, calm, and welcoming. Managing guests’ belongings and the storage area is physically challenging, too.
It is not easy work, as you can imagine. We are so grateful for them.
Thank you for making these first 100 days possible. Because of you, people fleeing violence, houseless due to poverty, or struggling with addiction and mental health had a clean bed, caring staff, and a chance to heal.
Get Involved
As you know, our shelter is privately funded and operated, which means we need your support financially. If you’d like to DONATE, bring food, give your time, or clothing, please see the ways to get involved on our website at BlanchetHouse.org/BethaniesRoom.
Here’s to 100 more days of hope and hospitality.
Women’s Clothing Needs
Women’s Clothing NeedsCurrently, women at our shelter are requesting the following items.
- Comfy pants (all sizes)
- New underwear (all sizes)
If you can help, please drop off items on Tues, Thurs, or Sat, between 5:30-6:30 p.m., at 1015 NW 17th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209. Thank you so much!
P.S. PLEASE do not donate dress clothes or heels. The women we serve are in crisis and need comfy, practical items.
Men’s Clothing Needs
We are ALWAYS in need of the following items for Blanchet House’s clothing closet. Yes, we serve women at Blanchet House, but men make up a larger share of the single homeless population seeking clothing here.
- Comfy pants (all sizes)
- Jeans (all sizes)
- New underwear (all sizes)
If you can help, please drop off items Mon-Sat, at 310 NW Glisan St., Portland, OR 97209. Thank you so much!
P.S. PLEASE do not donate dress clothes. The people we serve are in crisis and need practical items.
