Blanchet House is a collection of deeply passionate and caring people all assembled under a common goal of helping those in need regardless of their situation. They do so with grace and empathy unlike any other, ensuring that many can find security in their services.
You feel like you’re making a difference when you serve a hot meal to every soul who shows up at the door. And you’re appreciated by not just the diners, but by the Blanchet staff and residents who always say “thanks for coming.”
I have been volunteering at the Blanchet House on and off for nearly six years which I believe speaks to how much this place has given me. This year I have come to volunteer every week and getting to know the staff has been a wonderful experience. Each time I come in I’m overwhelmed with the comfort of the organization and leave totally fulfilled. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others here and can’t wait to be there next week!
I have been volunteering at the Blanchet house for a couple months now and have tried to come in at least once a week. It has been such an amazing experience not only because of what we do for others but also because of the staff and residents. You get to work at together with the staff, the residents and volunteers that come from all over the out City and we really do make an impact. The staff are just such amazing people and they really go out of their way to provide the services they have while making the volunteers feel welcome. The residents are always so positive and charismatic towards everyone and it truly makes a great environment to be in. It’s truly a beautiful thing what the Blanchard house has done, they bring people together to serve those who need it. I have some of the best memories and some of the greatest lessons from this place and I will continue to support it.
I had the great pleasure to volunteer with Blanchet House this past week. I was so impressed with the work they are doing to serve the community and provide this basic need for those who need some help. The staff was professional and the meal service went so smoothly. Everyone was served with dignity and respect and those who needed a little extra, received it no questioned asked. I was also impressed with the residents there. I really enjoyed meeting a few of them and working side by side. This is a wonderful place to volunteer your time or to make donation because they are making a real impact on the community!
I have volunteered at Blanchet House for the past two years and have watched them pivot their meal program during a challenging pandemic. They have remained committed to providing hot meals to anyone who needs one, along with beverages, care kits and clothing. I am inspired by their belief that everyone deserves the basic needs of food and shelter and have watched them fulfill this mission with creativity, compassion and hope. I am honored to work with the staff, residents, guests and other volunteers and together make a difference.
Service at the Blanchet House has given me a new understanding of life. Every visit I interact with folks struggling to survive on the streets; people who are working to over come; and people who have been down, but climbed out of the hole. We work together to give the most basic aide. He said feed the hungry and we do. No means test, no judgment, just hearty, healthy food to get folks through another day. I can't think of a better way, or place, to share my time.
I’ve been involved with the Blanchet House for 20+ years and have been a regular volunteer for almost 2 years. The residents and staff are so friendly and welcoming, and I can FEEL the impact they are making on the community. They will never settle and are always looking for ways to improve the lives of others. The best is yet to come!
Blanchet House serves substance abuse victims with food and counseling. They also provide housing and carpentry and food service training. I have witnessed their success and also seen them feed citizens who are down and out in the Portland area. The need is great in our area and the staff of Blanchet are always available with a helping hand and a "listening" attitude. The staff and volunteers ask nothing in return for their service and kindness. We are directly involved in helping them carry out their humanitarian mission.
I started serving here in middle school and eventually became a student ambassador for the organization a few years later. The people have amazing personalities and are super warm and welcoming. Blanchet’s mission dedicated to serving people who are homeless or seeking stability in their lives is noble and completely worth supporting and draws me back to working here.
I learned about Blanchet House from a friend that volunteers there. It sounded like an amazing place from what they told me so I decided to volunteer to find out for myself. I was blown away by how smoothly their meal service was handled especially with the amount of people they're serving. They offer three meals a day, everyday except Sunday. I now follow them on social media and seeing their posts how they're helping the community always brightens my day.
I've served in the Blanchet dining room off and on since I was little. If you're looking for a way to do something about the pervasive homelessness and food insecurity in our community, Blanchet House is for you. The doors are open to everyone and anyone 3 meals a day, 6 days a week (not Sunday), to say nothing of their resident or farm programs. They work with food gleaners and directly with food producers and suppliers to put potentially wasted food to good use. Blanchet is an invaluable, underappreciated resource for this city.
Blanchet House is a wonderful non-profit that helps many people out in the Portland area. Blanchet House provides a safe and clean spot where people who are struggling and need a meal, can come and relax and get a free healthy meal. If you know of anyone who is struggling and needs a nice warm meal then I would definitely recommend Blanchet House. The Farm, which is another factor of the Blanchet House is wonderful as well. The Farm helps out males who are struggling and gives them tools to lead a successful and clean life. The Blanchet House is definitely a place I would recommend volunteering, donating to, or just simply going for a meal.
I love working with this non profit! They are very welcoming of volunteers. The job assignments are super easy and its a short commitment time frame. Everyone there is always so grateful for the help. The guests that come in are very kind and humble. I love this place and all the help they give the community!
A historic nonprofit dedicated to alleviating suffering in the Portland community by offering food, housing and clothing.
I want to thank all who have helped make our new Blanchet House building a reality. The generosity of individuals, foundations, companies and the City of Portland was truly amazing and will allow us to continue our mission to feed the hungry, provide shelter and a safe haven for those in need for another 60 years. The number of meals served has increased since our new building opened in October of 2012. In January alone, over 30,000 meals were served at our new facility. "Build it and they will come!" We are grateful for all who have volunteered and provided the hospitality our guests need. We are indeed grateful to all of Portland!
Many thanks,
Rich Ulring and all of the
Blanchet House Board Members
I've had a chance to work at the Blanchet House a few times through the Hands On Portland website and this place is great. The staff that runs this operation day in and day out is great - they are concerned about the well being of those they serve and ensuring a positive experience for all. I have really enjoyed my time I've spent with them. The shelter is unique in making the individuals feel more like customers than an individual passing through a cafeteria line - this adds to their hospitality status. They bring the food to the client, the beverages are on the table - the client just comes in and gets food - similar to a restaurant style service. Having volunteered at other local shelters, this definitely adds to the organization and efficiency of the meal providing. Kudos to Blanchet!