Rick Steves Saves Lynnwood Hygiene Center for Homeless Residents

The Lynnwood Hygiene Center, a vital resource for homeless residents in the Seattle area, was on the brink of closure due to a property sale to a developer. The center, which had been operating rent-free since 2020, provided essential services such as hot showers, meals, and a safe indoor space for individuals experiencing homelessness. The impending closure was announced in November 2025, prompting concern among community members who relied on its services.

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Travel writer and television host Rick Steves intervened after learning about the center's situation through a local online newspaper. He purchased the property for $2.25 million, ensuring the hygiene center would remain operational. Steves expressed his surprise at the center's existence, stating, "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."

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In addition to Steves' investment, community members contributed approximately $400,000 in donations to support renovations and expand services at the center. Executive Director of the Jean Kim Foundation, Sandra Mears, noted the significance of this support, stating, "I didn't want a goodbye party," reflecting the community's relief and gratitude for the center's continued operation. The Lynnwood Hygiene Center is expected to serve around 700 individuals annually, providing over 16,000 hot meals and 10,000 showers.

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While Steves' actions have been widely praised, he emphasized that private donations should not replace public investment in essential services. He criticized the lack of governmental support, questioning societal priorities: "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?" This statement underscores the ongoing debate regarding the responsibility of public versus private sectors in addressing homelessness.

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• “I vividly remember what it's like as a kid backpacking around the world to need a shower, to need a place to wash your clothes,” — Rick Steves, Travel Writer and TV Host

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• “It's huge,” — Sandra Mears, Executive Director of the Jean Kim Foundation

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• “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?” — Rick Steves, Travel Writer and TV Host

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Rick Steves' acquisition of the Lynnwood Hygiene Center highlights the critical role of community support in addressing homelessness. While his actions have ensured the center's survival, they also raise important questions about the adequacy of public funding for essential services. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these issues will be crucial in shaping future responses to homelessness in the Seattle area and beyond.

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