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It’s the “season of love and giving”…but this year, doesn’t it seem more like a “season of fear and taking”? Like many of you, I’ve been saddened by the human impact of draconian government budget cuts and how angry many housed Americans are at unhoused Americans.
Then, about a month ago, I learned that the only hygiene center in my neighborhood was being shut down. The property was being sold...destined to be developed.
For an entire community of my down-and-out neighbors, this hygiene center is the only place to take a shower, wash clothes, repair a bike, or get a sweater, blanket, or hot meal…while also enjoying a little bit of community.
And tragically, once a center like this is gone, it’s hard to imagine it popping up somewhere else in these NIMBY times.
It's an invisible need… an invisible center… helping invisible people. Meanwhile, I’m haunted by the invisible impact of the insatiable greed that’s so widespread (and sadly, celebrated) in our multi-millionaire and billionaire class.
So, I purchased the center and the land it sits on — the best $2 million I can imagine spending.
And now, I get to partner with the wonderful network of volunteers and caring people who run the Lynnwood Hygiene Center. And — thanks to $400K in community donations — there is funding to develop the center through capital improvements.
And my neighbors who are cold, wet, hungry, and overwhelmed…are now happy that their humble little refuge — where love gets traction, and prayers are answered — will stay in business.
This is my Christmas gift to my homeless neighbors, to the volunteers who get great joy from helping them…and, yes, to myself. Merry Christmas to all!
