Inside the Blanchet House, Portland’s Lifeline for the Homeless
PORTLAND, OR.
As an Oregon resident of the past nine years, reflection on my home city brings forth one prominent issue: the homeless population and housing crisis. While the City of Portland races to pass measures to alleviate harmful impacts each year, shelters overflow and tents continue to line the streets of Old Town.
The city is reaching a critical point. Resources are stretched, current actions are unsustainable in the long term, and the homeless population continues to grow. The adversity faced by these individuals is unmatched— especially in upcoming winter months as weather gets harsher.
One staple in Portland’s homeless community is the Blanchet House, in operation since 1952. The nonprofit organization, deemed a House of Hospitality, offers regular free meals and supplies in addition to two residential programs. After becoming aware of their work as an eighth grader, I have volunteered in their facilities as a high school Student Ambassador.
Most of my experience with Blanchet House resides in their free cafe. In an effort to mitigate food scarcity and lack of access to meals, they are open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Surplus food is rescued from local grocery stores, made into mass amounts of hot meals by Blanchet’s team of chefs. Volunteers plate food, serve guests food and drinks, and bus tables throughout each meal service.
A favorite memory from a volunteer shift is when Tom Berridge, a local Portland pianist, stopped by to perform songs during the dinner service. He was met with applause from the cafe guests as he wrapped up a pop rendition. It was a sweet moment of unification and gratitude, and a reminder of how the guests do not often encounter simple pleasures like music. The privileges we have to appreciate art are continuously taken for granted.
When resources allow, Blanchet House also provides to-go items at the exit after meals, including sack lunches and warm clothing. An on-request clothing closet is available with essential items such as pants and jackets. As with many of Blanchet’s supplies, the offerings depend entirely on donations made by the Portland community. Some companies host free services at Blanchet House; notably vet treatment for pets, bike repair, foot care, and haircuts.
The Blanchet’s free cafe stands as one of the most impactful assistances offered in Portland for those suffering homelessness. The cafe’s “everyone welcome” policy ensures that warm meals are available to everyone who needs them. It restores dignity to guests— they receive plated food and a table to sit at, an authentic dine-in experience, and the respect and civility that they often aren't given. The café provides more than essential nutrition: by nurturing emotional and social health, it can be a lifeline in the struggle for survival.
Recently, I spoke with Michael Seid, Blanchet’s Volunteer Manager, about his experiences working with Portland’s homeless community. One story he underscored the role of community support in helping those struggling with substance abuse.
"As hard as it is, people do overdose," Seid shared. "I remember one time I had to respond to an overdose. We went outside, found the person unconscious, and it took a couple doses [of Narcan] and CPR … We did chest compressions. While all that was happening, another meal guest called 911 for us. Since Peer Support and I were so hyper focused on just making sure this person was breathing, we didn’t even think to call 911. Thankfully, a bystander did that….. they were a regular meal guest. "
Seid’s recollection is just one example of the life-saving work done by Blanchet employees on a regular basis. Not only are their facilities working to provide resources and housing, but the workers are constantly acting as impromptu first responders and rushing to the scene to administer medical aid. Without their swift action, incredible lives would be lost.
Part of the reason why I advocate so strongly for Blanchet’s services is because they address the needs of homeless individuals with respect, acknowledging that Portland’s unhoused deserve the same amount of recognition as you or I. The system failing someone does not make them unworthy of a chance at life. In my community, homeless people are often seen as an eyesore or nuisance that the city needs to sweep away. Nothing could be further from the truth, and the blatant reduction of their value and humanity is deeply troubling. Homelessness is caused by a multitude of factors, almost none of which are in the person’s control.
Judgement of a homeless individual’s behaviors and circumstances must be redirected to the systemic inequities and injustices that produced them.
Prejudice is a learned behavior that must be actively unlearned. I am not exempt— however, my work with the Blanchet House in the past two years has given me valuable perspective on homelessness. I encourage readers to invest time in service and understanding in a commitment to a more tolerant city, whether in Portland or otherwise.
