Blanchet House & Farm

The guys at Blanchet Farm finished a wooden quilt that will hang on the new dormitory. More than beautiful art, it’s a symbol of transformation found through the farm’s addiction recovery program. Each color tells a story, thoughtfully shaped with help from board member Jerry Quinn, MBA:    Navy – Stability and home   Green – Growth and recovery   Yellow – Kindness and hope   White – Dignity and new beginnings  Together, they create a Quilt of Hope, a reminder that here, you are safe and worthy.

Welcome Erik Ramirez to our team at Blanchet House. Erik is our cafe’s first bi-lingual Peer Support Specialist speaking Spanish and English. He’s already helped so many people that don’t speak English well find resources. He has an extensive background in supporting people in recovery as a Certified Recovery Mentor. Erik has lived experience in recovery and says he’s “grateful to be in a position of helping others,”offering understanding, encouragement, and practical support.

Taylor finally got a pair of glasses thanks to the persistence of Duke and generous donations from Blanchet House donors. Taylor, who is homeless, got to know Support Specialist Duke when dining at Blanchet. Duke tried for months to get glasses by going through the recommended channels before asking Blanchet to buy them. Most places were at capacity for being able to help or didn’t respond. We’re glad it worked out but it shouldn’t be this hard.

Do you have a large quantity of surplus good food that needs rescuing? Email us at info@blanchethouse.org or give us a call Monday-Saturday 503-241-4340. We’ll come pick it up if we can use it! #foodrescue #endfoodwaste

We’re hiring a chef to work at Blanchet Farm in Newberg, OR, a program for men wanting to heal from addiction. Part-Time or Full-Time; $25/hour. Blanchet Farm chefs prepare lunch and dinner for up to 24 residents plus staff. Resumes and cover letters should be sent to careers@blanchethouse.org. No phone calls, please. Full job description at https://lnkd.in/ghKZ2Gs.

After 13 years of homelessness, J. finally has a room to call home, thanks to the gentle persistence of our Peer Support Specialist Duke. As a veteran living with PTSD, J. rarely spoke and kept to himself. Veteran Affairs (VA) tried to connect with him but something didn’t work. For years, J. slept outside and dined at Blanchet House, but only after months of patient check-ins, shared cigarettes, and quiet coffees did he begin to open up. That trust led to this moment. Housing for those in our community who’ve suffered so much trauma isn’t just paperwork—it’s trust, time, and support. We’re grateful for The Henry, a low-barrier housing complex operated by Central City Concern where J. now has a safe place to rest. If we could fund dozens more housing complexes like The Henry we would be able to end homelessness for so many more people in Portland.

Our café day center team asked to have their photo taken to thank our board and leadership for prioritizing their health by granting them a four-day workweek. This change in schedule makes room for two more staff members and more time to decompress. Serving our city’s most vulnerable members every day is physically and emotionally demanding work. Compassion fatigue can affect even the most compassionate individuals, and the best remedy is rest and support. We're so grateful to (pictured left to right) Elizabeth Ashworth, Ava Duckhorn, James Smith, Ami Prevec, and Liz Walker for their commitment and care to our community.

We have a team running and walking in the Shamrock Run this Sunday, March 16, in Portland. The participants are fundraising for Blanchet House and need your support and encouragement to keep going! Check out our team page at https://lnkd.in/g-qC__ip. Meet a few of our team members! Andy Saultz, Gabby Thuillier, Garrett Wong, Chelsea Wilcox, Lisa Daniels, Mayako Frazier, Austin Blatt, Steve Cook, CFRE, Kelsey King, Tue Vu, Marissa Bianco, Trey Lackey, Barb Beck Coaching, and more!

Attention artists! Submit your work for Blanchet House's annual On the Ledge art show! We're accepting original work based on this year's theme, Small Joys. Submission details can be found at https://lnkd.in/gFaxA795

Can people experiencing homelessness feel joy and happiness? Scott Kerman thinks so and believes they deserve to. In his latest blog post, Scott explains how homeless services like Blanchet House & Farm can do more than provide survival necessities. They can also make people feel respected, connected, and even happy. Read it here. https://lnkd.in/eAvzMZSc