UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, travel writer and TV host Rick Steves has stepped in to rescue the Lynnwood Hygiene Center, which serves the homeless population in the Seattle area. Just last month, an anonymous donor intervened to prevent the center’s closure, and last week, community members were astounded to learn that Steves is the new owner.
The center, which has provided essential services like hot showers and meals for the homeless, was set to shut down after a property sale to a developer. Steves, who purchased the facility for $2.25 million, expressed his commitment to keeping it open and free, highlighting the urgent need for such services. “I realized, oh my goodness, there’s an invisible community with an invisible center helping invisible people. And it’s not right. It needs to be kept alive,” Steves said during a celebration event held last Wednesday.
In a remarkable display of community support, local residents contributed an additional $400,000 in donations, which will be used for renovations and expanding services at the hygiene center. Executive Director Sandra Mears of the Jean Kim Foundation, which operates the center, shared her relief, stating, “Before Steves came in, I had been told to plan a goodbye party. I didn’t want a goodbye party.” Thanks to this intervention, the center will continue to serve approximately 700 people annually, providing over 16,000 hot meals and 10,000 showers each year.
Steves emphasized that while private donations are invaluable, they should not replace public investment in essential services. “If we don’t have [$2.25 million] for a whole county to give homeless people a shower and a place to get out of the rain and a place to wash their clothes, what kind of society are we?” he remarked, underscoring the pressing need for public support in addressing homelessness.
The Lynnwood Hygiene Center has operated rent-free since 2020, filling a critical gap for those in need. Many community members had no idea about the center’s imminent closure until it was reported in a local publication. Steves himself was unaware of the facility’s existence until he read about its plight, sparking his determination to take action.
With this purchase, the community can breathe a sigh of relief. As Mears noted, “It’s huge.” The center’s future is now secure, thanks to Steves’ philanthropic efforts and the generous donations from local supporters.
As this story continues to evolve, the focus remains on the vital role the Lynnwood Hygiene Center plays in supporting the homeless community in Seattle. The urgent need for similar initiatives across the country highlights a broader conversation about the responsibilities of public and private sectors in addressing homelessness.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and how community members can continue to support the hygiene center’s mission.
