Blanchet House forges its own paths of service

Blanchet Farm in Carlton, Oregon

By Paulette Peynet

Established in 1952, The Blanchet House of Hospitality is nearing its 75-year milestone. Almost every aspect of this charitable organization is a legacy in itself.

The first legacy is the founders, who were alumni of University of Portland and/or Columbia Preparatory School, once a high school on “The Bluff” near the university. These men included Jim O’Hanlon, Gene Feltz, Joe Moore, John Moore, Tom Moore, Dan Harrington, John Little, Hugh McGinnis, Pat Carr, Dan Christianson, Kev Collins and Bernie Harrington. The group traces their start to The Blanchet Club of 1938,

a social club on the university campus.

A second legacy is the Rev. Francis “Frank” Kennard. A former missionary in Africa, and a diocesan priest in Oregon. He was appointed chaplain to the club. The founders consistently credited Kennard with inspiring them, even robustly challenging them, “Go out in the street! Help people.” Practicing what he preached, and long after retirement, Kennard could be seen every day, year after year, packing a huge coffee urn and thick sandwiches he had made himself, to meet up with Portland’s homeless in the downtown Park Blocks.

Third, Blanchet House is named for François Norbert Blanchet, the first archbishop in the Pacific Northwest. He was one of the first priests in Oregon country to introduce a Catholic presence in what would become Washington and Oregon. A native of Quebec, Blanchet had been a missionary in his native Canada, working with several tribes and learning their languages. When he became fluent in English, he was assigned to the Northwest, where he lived in poverty and isolation much of the time.

The final inspiration was Dorothy Day and her method of ministering to the poor. She had founded the Catholic Worker Movement, and Blanchet House founders modeled their new ministry after her principles of pacifism, social justice and community living. According to the Blanchet House website, “Blanchet House’s mission derives from Catholic social teaching principles, including honoring the dignity of every person, offering aid to the poor and vulnerable, and solidarity. Our board and staff include persons of various faiths, and we do not proselytize to our clients or guests.”

Inspired by Kennard, Blanchet, Day and each other, the founders began serving the poor and vulnerable in small ways. Kennard and the alumni found an old building in the area known as “Skid Row” in Old Town Portland. They needed space for a “house of hospitality,” where anyone in need could receive a free hot meal. Lines of hungry people soon formed and continue today. Rent was $35 a month. They raised money for the down payment to buy a building, but the founders also secured personal loans for the mortgage.

Meal Program

Well known these days for daily meal service, the Founders Cafe overlooks the Steel Bridge. Volunteers serve guests restaurant-style for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. A balanced plate includes protein, vegetables, carbohydrates and fruit. Dental challenges are considered by pre-cut, soft entrees. Guests come as they are, no judgments made, no identification required. Multiple servings are acceptable, but each guest must return to the line. There is always enough food. No one is turned away.

Food Rescue Program

Grocery stores, wholesalers and caterers provide surplus and soon-to-expire food. For quality assurance, experienced staff inspect the food before it’s prepared. Food scraps feed the animals at Blanchet Farm.

Clothing and Hygiene Program

During meal services, guests are offered clean clothes, shoes, hygiene items and sleeping essentials. Individuals and businesses donate new and gently used adult-sized clothes, including high-demand outdoor wear.

Residential Programs

Blanchet House operates two residential programs for men struggling with addiction, unemployment, mental health, housing and other challenges. Men living at Blanchet House downtown prepare and serve food. Residents at Blanchet Farm, located in Carlton, care for the animals, beehives, wood shop and gardens.

Bethanie’s Room

Renovations and fundraising are nearly completed for opening Bethanie’s Room, a women’s overnight shelter in northwest Portland. The safe shelter will accommodate as many as 75 women each night.

Blanchet Farm Residential Program

Purchased in 1962, the 62-acre property is a peaceful sanctuary for people striving to heal and achieve sobriety. The farm includes dormitories that accommodate 22 men, as well as public spaces, animal barns and a woodshed.

Wood Shop Showcase

In the workshop, residents learn woodworking skills. Although it isn’t a commercial shop, residents can create one-of-a-kind items available for sale on the Blanchet website.

Social Enterprise Program

By producing “goods created through hard work, healing and hope,” residents learn skills and express creativity in the wood shop. Their care for gardening and beekeeping is hands-on, calming and gratifying work. A metal shop is planned.

Legacy. For nearly 75 years, Blachet House has forged its own path.

“Fixing something, building something, working together — that is priceless,” said Ross Sears, farm manager. “Traditional recovery is reading and writing groups all day long, but there’s no physical stuff. This place is special. The work gives you purpose and rebuilds confidence.”