WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Shelter reopening

(West Seattle Veteran Center photo)

Winter’s not over yet, and colder weather is ahead. Keith Hughes of the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160 says he plans to reopen the overnight shelter there at 5 pm tomorrow (Saturday, March 5th). He plans to keep it open through at least next Wednesday, adding, “I will be staffing it myself and with volunteers from 5 pm until 10 am each day.” He says the King County Regional Homelessness Authority still is not funding the shelter, which is the only one in West Seattle – if they would , he says, “we could increase our staffing and increase our capacity to help the homeless community in the Southwest corridor.” Meantime, we asked if they need any particular donations right now, volunteers or food/clothing or money. His reply: “The community response over the past two cold spells has been wonderful and very generous, so I really don’t have any pressing needs for supplies or clothing this time around. I have also been able to build up my list of willing volunteers, so I am able to get at least one break per day for a run of 5 or 6 days of cold. I just want to keep up the awareness that winter is not over and there are still people out there without food and shelter. When you see them, help them. If you can’t help them directly, point them to the West Seattle Veteran Center Shelter.” It’s at 3618 SW Alaska.

5 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Shelter reopening"

  • K March 4, 2022 (4:58 pm)

    Is there a way we as a community can push for the KC regional homeless authority to help fund this? Keith- you are an angel on earth! 

    • WSB March 4, 2022 (5:07 pm)

      Through local officials for starters – he notes County Councilmember Joe McDermott and City Councilmember Lisa Herbold. Both are on the regional authority’s Governing Committee.
      https://kcrha.org/governing-committee/meet-the-governing-committee/

      • K March 4, 2022 (7:02 pm)

        Thank you.  I will send some emails and encourage others too as well.  

  • WS Res March 4, 2022 (8:31 pm)

    I am so glad to hear that West Seattle has been stepping up with material support and person-hours to help Keith and the shelter.  Thank you, everyone.  Keep up the good work.

  • aa March 5, 2022 (6:21 am)

    A great example that the thought, there is nothing I can do to help is rarely true.  He didn’t wait for all the pieces to be put into place, he just started, and the goodness followed.  

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