Blanchet House declares an urgent need for warm clothes for the unhoused

Hundreds of women sheltered overnight in the first month of operation at Bethanie's Room

Blanchet House staff are declaring an urgent need for warm, rain resistant clothes for men and women.

“After days of relentless rain and cold, many people are coming to our door, soaked and desperate for dry socks and pants to change into, and a warm coat,” they said.

Bethanie’s Room is the new overnight shelter for women. “So many people came to us looking for a quiet place to sit and warm themselves over a cup of coffee. We handed out ponchos and plates of oatmeal, a yogurt cup and a pastry.” Staff called this “a quiet morning at the Blanchet House of Hospitality.”

Bethanie’s Room guests may choose new and gently-used women’s clothes and outerwear. The guests, themselves, specified what they need most. Pants in sizes 2XL to 5XL are requested most.

Blanchet House also needs clothing and supplies for men during this harsh winter. Highest priorities are for both are: socks, underwear, sweatpants with pockets and rain ponchos. A list of needs is prioritized online by highest, high and low priorities, as specified by guests. Items are available for purchase at Amazon wish list. Donors can refer to the list before buying clothes on any other website or at any other store. Donors may contribute their own gently-used items. To avoid shopping, donors can mail or make an online donation and designate Blanchet House or Bethanie's Room.

Clothing deliveries:

Blanchet House Bethanie's Room (Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.)

310 N.W. Glisan 1015 N.W. 17th Ave.

Portland, Oregon 97209 Portland, Oregon 97209

Portland’s warmer weather doesn’t arrive until May or June. The urgent need is expected to continue.