Blanchet House Opens New Women's Shelter in NW Portland

Bethanie's Room offers 75 overnight beds and support services for women experiencing homelessness.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Blanchet House, a private nonprofit organization, has opened a new overnight emergency shelter called Bethanie's Room in Northwest Portland. The shelter can accommodate up to 75 women each night from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and provides food, hygiene supplies, and peer support services. The space is named after a woman named Bethanie who died while homeless in 2024, and her family was present at the grand opening to celebrate this new critical resource for women.

Why it matters

Homelessness disproportionately affects women, who often face unique challenges and safety concerns on the streets. This new shelter provides a safe, supportive environment for women in need, filling an important gap in the local social services landscape.

The details

Bethanie's Room is located within walking distance of several other service providers and adheres to the city's neighborhood agreement, despite not being a City of Portland project. Guests cannot line up more than an hour before the shelter opens, and the shelter has a neighborhood pledge on its website. The shelter is privately run and funded by Blanchet House.

  • Bethanie's Room opened on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The shelter operates from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night.

The players

Blanchet House

A private nonprofit organization that has opened the new Bethanie's Room shelter in Northwest Portland.

Bethanie

A woman who died while homeless in 2024, and whom the new shelter is named after.

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The takeaway

The opening of Bethanie's Room represents a significant step in addressing the unique challenges faced by women experiencing homelessness in the Portland area, providing a safe, supportive environment and critical services to help them get back on their feet.