Westside Neighbors Shelter is a privately owned and volunteer-operated cold-weather shelter hosted in the American Legion Hall in West Seattle. The shelter is open to any adult in need of shelter, regardless of gender, religion or veteran status. All clients and visitors are required to follow our Code of Conduct.
| On June 9, 2026, Keith Hughes gave a statement regarding the past, present, and future situation of Westside Neighbors Shelter: “After seven years of service to the South West community, sharing our love made tangible through the Morning Warm-Up Center and the Winter Cold Weather Shelter, Westside Neighbors Network has made the difficult decision to temporarily close both operations and enter into a time of discernment, strategic planning, and administrative reorganization. “Through these past years we have funded the operations with an all-volunteer staff, and donations from individuals and organizations in the community. However, with the political and socio-economic time creating an ever increasing need, this model is no longer sustainable. “We have long sought sustainable funding through government and non-government partners and have not found it there – and so we are stepping back to do the careful work of building something lasting: a model rooted in the community we serve. “We don’t yet know the shape of what’s coming. But we know this: the next chapter must be written by us, supported by us, and embodied by us. The relationships, the trust, the deep roots of care – that social capital is real, and it is not going anywhere. “We are deeply grateful for every resource, every relationship, and every act of kindness and faithfulness that has carried us here…. We know that you are with us in the knowledge that West Seattle deserves a welcoming place where neighbors can rest and be restored. That conviction has not wavered. “The work of designing our new future has begun, and though we can’t give you a time line at this point, we will be back and we will keep in touch as we move through this process. “Continue to take care of one another, West Seattle.” |
Morning: The Warm Up Center is open at the American Legion Hall from 7:00 to 11 am, with breakfast provided 8:30 to 9:30 am.
Evening: Between November and March, The American Legion Hall opens again as a cold weather emergency shelter at 6 pm. Dinner is served from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Cots and blankets are available for 35 people overnight, first come, first served.
The shelter is open 24 hours when King County declares a Winter Storm Emergency.
On February 19, 2026, Fox13’s Jennifer Dowling interviewed Keith Hughes about current conditions at the shelter. Click here to watch the interview.
- LATEST NEWS: Shelter closed for improvementsWe’ve moved up our scheduled closure from April 15. The Warm Up Center at the Legion Hall is now closed completely for several weeks of facility improvements such as bathroom remodeling, kitchen cleaning, door lock changes, and shelter policy development. During this time, no breakfast or other services will be available, and the building will… Read more: LATEST NEWS: Shelter closed for improvements
- Overnight shelter concluding for the seasonSpring is here, which means the cold-weather overnight emergency shelter is about to close for the 2025-26 season. —The last night for dinner and overnight stays at Westside Neighbors Shelter is March 31st. —The Warm Up Center and breakfast will continue until April 15. At that time, the shelter will close completely for several weeks… Read more: Overnight shelter concluding for the season
- A message from the kitchen!With the severely cold weather comes more people in need, and Chef Tim has compiled a list of everything the kitchen is just about out of: Can you donate any of these things? If so, please drop them off at the American Legion Hall at 3620 SW Alaska St. between 7-11 am or 6-9 pm.… Read more: A message from the kitchen!
- SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE: County moves to Tier 3 protocolsWith overnight temperatures below 30°F in the forecast, King County Regional Homelessness Authority is shifting to Tier 3 Protocols as of 5:00 pm Thursday, January 22, lasting through Saturday, January 24 and winding down in the morning on Sunday, January 25, with the possibility of extending in alignment with its severe weather policy. Tier 3,… Read more: SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE: County moves to Tier 3 protocols
- Tier 2 Severe Weather Protocols in effect this weekendKing County Regional Homelessness Authority is activating Tier 2 Severe Weather Protocols on Saturday, January 17 through Monday, January 19, winding down the morning of Tuesday, January 20, with the possibility of extending in alignment with its severe weather policy. During this time, Westside Neighbors Shelter will increase cot capacity to 45 people, and add… Read more: Tier 2 Severe Weather Protocols in effect this weekend
Want to be notified every time there’s a new post? Type your email address and click Subscribe below:
(This form collects your email address only for the purpose of letting us communicate directly with you. Westside Neighbors Shelter will never share or sell your information with third parties/affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.)
Westside Neighbors Shelter in the News:
FOX13, 2/19/2026 Westside Neighbors Shelter helping people who ‘weren’t expecting’ extreme cold
FOX13, 1/31/2025: Seattle shelter struggles with record demand in freezing weather
West Seattle Blog, 11/19/2024: FOLLOWUP: West Seattle’s only emergency shelter now open for the season
West Seattle Blog, 7/9/2023: Shelter/Legion/Veteran Center roof project needs one last boost
West Seattle Blog, 6/16/2023: New, donated roof about to go up at Westside Neighbors Network Shelter/Veteran Center/American Legion Post 160
West Seattle Blog, 2/20/2023: Governor visits West Seattle to honor Keith Hughes as ‘Washingtonian of the Day’
KING 5, 1/2/2023: Owner of only West Seattle warming center says the space is a ‘start to a solution’
JaroslawMedia: The Backstory: West Seattle’s Only Winter Homeless Shelter
West Seattle Blog, 11/4/2022: Emergency shelter opening Sunday, and how you can help
West Seattle Blog, 12/1/2022: What it’s like operating West Seattle’s only emergency shelter, and how you can help
- Registered 501c3, EIN 81-5371035
- State UBI # 604 089 742
- DUNS # 013929966