PLEASE MEET KEITH:
In the winter of 2019 Keith Hughes began a makeshift Warming Shelter in West Seattle for those living outside. He didn’t have the experience or knowledge to be doing this, he just did it. He couldn’t stand to see folks wet and cold with no place to go and warm up.
One of the many responsibilities Keith has taken on in life is being President of the West Seattle Veterans Center. In doing so it presented him with an opportunity. He will tell you, “It has always bothered me to see buildings with empty space while people struggle outside in the wet and cold. Now that I manage the Veterans Center building, I can do something about it.”
When Keith first opened the doors to those in need it was the only Warming Shelter in West Seattle. It still is. When the community heard what he was doing they responded immediately with cots, blankets, clothing, and food. It was overwhelming and beautiful.
Now in his 4th winter of giving care to those struggling in the cold, Keith needs our help. He’s in his 70’s and is exhausted. In addition to the folks he is serving, he’s been remodeling the building to meet code requirements for the kitchen and bathrooms, often dipping into his own 401K. To meet the growing need he needs us now. He needs volunteers and funds.
If you can help with either or both, please do. Keith is a doer, but he can only do so much.
If you want to get involved please email pecharalala@gmail.com. There is lots to do so please let us know time availability and what you would like to offer in terms of labor and services. Tomasz will get back to each person to pre-screen them for Keith.
If you would like to donate funds you can do so here - https://gofund.me/1daf9797. We are hoping to raise $6,000.00 to help cover utility bills. Contributions are tax deductible as the West Seattle Veterans Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Keith believes in the strength and compassion of the community stepping forward to be there for each other. When the BLOCK Project was first putting homes in backyards for the homeless Keith donated an uncountable number of hours through his company West Seattle Electric & Solar to install the electrical and solar systems. That’s just the kind of person he is.
So much LOVE for you Keith. A heartfelt THANK YOU for all that you do for our community!
West Seattle Neighborhood | Rex
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A QUIET THOUGHT - If you’re moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the ‘donate’ button and consider a gift that is meaningful to you--even a “monthly recurring” donation of just $5 in support of the work. Thank you!
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