Blanchet House to open new women's shelter

Driving the news: The roughly 75-bed shelter will be housed in the sanctuary at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church at the corner of SW Clay Street and 13th Avenue.

• Start-up costs are expected to run around $1 million, officials said.
• The shelter will operate 365 nights a year.

How it works: Women will be able to reserve a bed through a dedicated referral line, other organizations who care for unsheltered women at night or by visiting Blanchet House for a referral and a free cab ride to the shelter.

Context: Oregon ranks first in the nation for the rate of unsheltered homelessness among families with children.

What they're saying: "This shelter is a crucial step in addressing the homelessness crisis and providing women with a safe place to be at night, a time which can be incredibly dangerous for them," Scott Kerman, executive director of Blanchet House, said in a written statement.

What's next: Officials with the nonprofit said they hope to have the shelter up and running by spring of next year.