By Paige Huffmaster
Blanchet House (Blan- shāy) https://blanchethouse.org
Mission: Our mission is to alleviate suffering and offer hope for a better life by serving essential aid with dignity.
Core Values: Hospitality, Dignity, Hope, Integrity, Community, and Authenticity
Services: Meal Program: Hot breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days per week
Clothing Program: clothing, hygiene, and sleep essentials
Residential Program: Blanchet House and Blanchet Farm, both are “life renewal work programs”, in which the residents earn room and board by serving other clients (Blanchet House) or by keeping the farm, animals, wood shop, and beehives (Blanchet Farm)
About: The Blanchet House is a nonprofit organization in Portland that provides housing support, food, and clothing to community members in need. They have been completely funded by donations, sponsorships, and grants since their founding in 1952. The Blanchet House was founded by The University of Portland. After a pause in service during World War II, The Blanchet House reopened its doors and reframed its vision in order to serve those in need in the community. On February 11, 1952, The Blanchet House served over 200 men their first meal with this community. Just six years later the founders had raised enough funds to buy the building and turn the upper floors into a shelter for the men they were serving.
Word was getting out to the Portland community that there are people able and willing to help. The founders took notice of the struggles preventing these men from getting their lives back, namely, alcoholism and substance use. Noting the prevalence and access to substances within the city, the founders purchased land to expand their outreach once again, getting their clients out of the city's enticement and onto a farm to focus on their recovery and treatment. This property, Blanchet Farm, in Yamhill County, has grown into a 62 acre facility housing 22 men. Today The Blanchet House is an even larger property abeling them to serve almost 1000 meals each day and house over 50 men in their program.
Impact: With homelessness and addiction rates increasing so rapidly, support and services are in high demand. The founders and staff at Blanchet House have dedicated their time and efforts over the last 70 years to create a program that makes a difference.
The following link provides a news story from late last year, including the story and perspective of the program from two residents. They share about the work they have done and how it has impacted their lives. https://www.kptv.com/video/2023/12/05/recovery-program-blanchet-farm-enriches-lives-both-animals-humans/
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