# Rick Steves Steps In to Save Seattle-Area Hygiene Center Serving Homeless Residents
When a community faces a crisis, sometimes it takes someone with resources, compassion, and a genuine commitment to helping others to step forward and make a difference. That’s exactly what happened in Lynnwood, Washington, when renowned travel writer and television host Rick Steves learned that the Gene Kim Foundation’s hygiene center—a vital lifeline for the area’s homeless population—was on the brink of closure.[1]
The situation was dire. The property owner had decided to put the building on the market for $2.5 million, leaving the nonprofit organization that runs the hygiene center scrambling to find a new location or face shutting down.[1] For approximately 700 unhoused individuals in south Snohomish County, this facility represents far more than just a place to shower or use bathroom facilities. It’s a sanctuary, a safe space, and often the only reliable resource available to people living on the streets.
## The Crisis and Its Impact
The potential closure would have devastated the vulnerable population that depends on the hygiene center. As one individual featured in the story, Al, explained, he was bracing for the loss of “one of his safe places.” The ripple effects would have been catastrophic—hundreds of people would have been left scrambling to find alternative resources, with no guarantee that suitable facilities would even exist in the region. The loss of this center would have created a significant gap in essential services for the homeless community across the entire county.
The Gene Kim Foundation’s hygiene center operates from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, providing showers, restrooms, and other crucial hygiene facilities to those experiencing homelessness.[1] These services might seem basic to those with stable housing, but for unhoused individuals, access to clean facilities is essential for maintaining dignity, health, and the ability to participate in job interviews or other opportunities that might help them transition out of homelessness.
## Rick Steves’ Generous Intervention
Rick Steves, best known for his travel television shows and guidebooks, stepped up in a way that few others could. Rather than simply making a donation, Steves purchased the property outright, ensuring that the hygiene center would have a permanent home.[1] More importantly, he announced that he would allow the nonprofit to operate the facility rent-free indefinitely—a commitment that removes the most pressing financial burden the organization faced.
In his own words, captured in a recent news segment, Steves declared: “I own this land, you’re going to use it for free for the foreseeable future.”[1] This isn’t just a temporary fix or a gesture meant for publicity. It’s a long-term commitment to ensuring that vulnerable members of the community have access to essential services without the constant threat of displacement.
What makes Steves’ action even more remarkable is that he recognized the broader implications of the center’s potential closure. As he explained, he received messages from community members emphasizing the severity of the situation: “This is going to be a disaster if this thing closes down.”[1] Rather than ignore these pleas, he chose to act decisively and generously.
## Community Support and Renovation
Steves’ intervention sparked additional community engagement. Hundreds of community members came together to support the cause, raising nearly $400,000 to renovate and improve the hygiene center.[1] This demonstrates that when leadership steps forward with compassion, it often inspires others to contribute their own resources and energy to a worthy cause.
The renovation efforts have transformed the facility, making it more welcoming and functional for the people who rely on it. The center now includes a gym and other amenities designed to serve the holistic needs of the homeless population.[1] These improvements go beyond basic hygiene facilities—they represent an investment in the dignity and well-being of the people using the center.
## A Model for Community Leadership
Rick Steves’ actions in saving the Lynnwood hygiene center offer an important lesson about what’s possible when someone with resources recognizes a community need and acts decisively. He’s been described as “a community treasure not just to Snohomish County but for all of Washington.”[1] This characterization reflects the significant impact his decision has had on the region.
The travel writer and television host could have simply donated money and moved on, but instead, he chose a solution that ensures long-term sustainability and demonstrates genuine commitment to solving the problem. By purchasing the property and offering it rent-free, he’s removed the primary threat to the center’s existence and created stability for the organization and the people it serves.
## Looking Forward
Thanks to Rick Steves’ intervention, the Gene Kim Foundation’s hygiene center can continue operating as a vital resource for south Snohomish County’s homeless population. The facility remains open and accessible, serving approximately 700 individuals who depend on its services. The near-tragedy that could have left hundreds without access to basic hygiene facilities has been averted, and the community has been reminded of the power of compassionate action.
This story serves as a reminder that homelessness is a complex issue requiring comprehensive solutions, and that individuals with resources have a meaningful role to play in supporting their communities. Rick Steves’ decision to step in and save the Lynnwood hygiene center is an example of leadership that goes beyond words—it’s action that directly improves lives and preserves dignity for some of society’s most vulnerable members.
Original source: NPR News – Rick Steves steps in to save Seattle-area hygiene center serving homeless residents