WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Emergency shelter opening Sunday, and how you can help

| How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

(West Seattle Veteran Center photo)
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8:42 PM: As mentioned earlier, the fall’s first round of very cold weather is on the way. So West Seattle’s only emergency shelter – at American Legion Post 160/West Seattle Veteran Center – is getting ready to open. From its manager Keith Hughes:

The time has come – the first Cold Weather Emergency for winter 2022 has been declared by City of Seattle and King County Regional Homelessness Authority to run Sunday evening through next Friday night.

The West Seattle Warm-Up Center and Shelter, operating in the West Seattle Veteran Center at 3618 SW Alaska St, will officially open at 5 PM on Sunday.

I know that the cost of everything has gone up since I requested help for last winter, but I believe that the good people of West Seattle will step up and help support this All-Volunteer shelter operation.

Here’s the list of what the shelter needs:

Food Pantry
Ground Coffee
#4 cone coffee filters
Instant Hot Cocoa Mix (for hot water)
Bottled water
Soft drinks in cans (store brands and things on sale)
Instant Oatmeal packets
Granola type low sugar cereal
Pancake mix, bisquick mix,
Pancake syrup, butter, jam
Canned soup, chili, beef stew
Packaged food like top ramen, cup-o-noodles, mac and cheese
Rice-a-roni, noodle-roni boxes
Dry spaghetti, egg noodles, macaroni
Spaghetti sauce in jars
Food store gift cards so we can get fresh things like milk, eggs, butter, meat

Other Needs
Socks, gloves, stocking caps, t-shirts and underware (men’s large and X-large)
Travel size individual soaps, shampoo; tooth brushes & toothpaste (ask your dentist for donations) bar soap for shower, laundry detergent pods
Toilet paper and paper towels, disinfectant wipes
Single-bed-size blankets

We have a question out about optimal drop-off hours. Also last year there was discussion of donors ordering items online and having them shipped directly to the center/shelter.

1:26 AM: The reply: “Best times for dropoff are in the morning before 11 am and in the evening from 5 pm to 9 pm. Those interested may call 206-932-9696 for more information on extended hours.”

Mike November 4, 2022 (10:01 pm)

A great service. Drop off a case of something.

Pigeon Point November 4, 2022 (10:33 pm)

Thank you for all that you do, Keith!

smoosh November 5, 2022 (1:44 am)

We dont deserve Keith but are lucky to have him. Will plan to donate again and give him a night or two off again this year. Thanks Keith and those who support his kindness.

D November 5, 2022 (6:01 am)

Thank you. We will drop off some items. Also please contact west seattle food bank. They are awesome.

Local November 5, 2022 (7:05 am)

Could you guys use some blankets? I have some very gently used ones I’d be happy to donate today.

Keith R Hughes November 6, 2022 (12:28 pm)

Yes, single bed size blankets are needed. Thankyou

Mike Paul November 5, 2022 (8:50 am)

Is there a specific location to leave items to donate? I know the location but do I leave them at the door? A bit more information would be helpful.Thank you.

Keith R Hughes November 6, 2022 (12:31 pm)

Outside the double doors that face Alaska St is best, it is under cover and fairly sheltered. I will be installing a Ring Doorbell so you can try that before you leave things.

WS Res November 5, 2022 (8:32 pm)

I’d love to get an update on Keith’s “shopping list” so I can run to the store on Sunday.

WSB November 5, 2022 (8:44 pm)

The items listed above are evergreens.

John William Enger November 6, 2022 (9:34 am)

Thank you Keith…we are truly blessed to have you in our community.

Yan November 6, 2022 (6:49 pm)

Who is the shelter for?

WSB November 6, 2022 (6:56 pm)

People who need someplace to warm up and/or sleep.

WS Res November 6, 2022 (7:09 pm)

Thanks to the other folks dropping things off when we were there this evening. Thank you, Keith. Keep us updated on what’s needed over the next few days.