The Lynnwood Hygiene Center, which faced closure last month, will continue operations following its purchase by travel writer and TV host Rick Steves.
Since 2020, the center has provided services rent-free on the property. It was slated to close after the property was sold to a developer in November, a situation Steves learned about via a local online newspaper.
Mr. Steves acquired the property for $2.25 million, thereby ensuring the facility's continued availability for individuals needing hot showers, laundry services, and hot meals. He cited recognizing the center's vital role for an underserved community as a motivation for his action.
Community members contributed an additional $400,000 in donations. These funds are allocated for facility renovations and the expansion of services.
Sandra Mears, Executive Director of the Jean Kim Foundation, which operates the hygiene center, affirmed the significance of the acquisition. The Lynnwood Hygiene Center currently serves an estimated 700 individuals, providing approximately 16,000 hot meals and 10,000 showers annually.
Mr. Steves stated that while his purchase represents a significant personal investment, he views it as a response to what he perceives as insufficient public investment in essential community services, rather than a substitute for it. He emphasized that the survival of such services should not depend solely on private donations.