Blanchet House names executive director

Steve Cook, executive director

Like the founders of Blanchet House, Steve Cook is a graduate of the University of Portland. And, he is equally committed to Blanchet’s mission of alleviating suffering. Cook is the nonprofit's new executive director.

“It’s an absolute honor to step into this role. I’m passionate about this work because of Blanchet’s longstanding commitment to hospitality, compassion and treating others with dignity,” Cook said. “I’m humbled to be able to steward our team and organization as our simple mission to alleviate suffering is needed more than ever.”

In 2024, Cook became the director of strategic initiatives at Blanchet House. He has served as co-interim executive director during the past five months.

Cook comes to the position with more than 15 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experience. He is fluent in Spanish and has worked throughout Latin America, in particular with Habitat for Humanity Guatemala by helping to expand access to housing.

“Steve’s thoughtful approach to building partnerships and engaging donors makes him well-suited to lead Blanchet now and into the future,” said board chair J.J. Gonzales.

Cook serves on Multnomah County’s Homelessness Response System Community Advisory Committee, is a member of Rotary Club of Portland and serves on the boards of Ground Score Association, Portland Ultimate and Together We Can Guatemala.

Blanchet House was founded in 1952 to provide meals, shelter, clothing and recovery support to people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Nearly 75 years later, Blanchet House programs includes the free café in Old Town Portland, a residential recovery program downtown, the 62-acre Blanchet Farm recovery program in Yamhill County, and Bethanie’s Room, a women’s shelter, which opened a few months ago.

Photo courtesy of Blanchet House