From deep in debt to the City, State, and County – to Debt Free.

From a dingy and dilapidated building with a sagging roof, black mold in the basement and 60 years of tobacco stains on the walls – to clean, refinished floors, new wiring, plumbing, and paint, structural improvements and new office space.

It has been a long journey over the past 3 years, but “the few” stuck with it, increased our numbers, raising funds, and working hard at getting everything fixed up so we could get rentals secured.  The journey is not over, there are still things to do – like getting the outside painted and getting a new roof, but we have come a long way.
In March of this year, we secured a rental agreement with Howard S Wright Construction Company to use the East Wing for 14 months as a Construction Field Office.  Part of their “rent” was to complete the structural upgrades, insulate, and sheetrock the East Wing.

Monday, June 6, The West Seattle YMCA Administrative Offices open in the completely refurbished basement, and the Children’s Center begins operation on the main floor in Pershing Hall.  They will be using the building for 50 hours a week while their building is being remodeled.  This rental agreement will be for 8 to 10 months depending on their construction project.

With these contracts in place, we have the income to cover our monthly expenses and move forward with further building improvements.  It has also allowed us to re-open the West Seattle Veterans Service Center.  The Center re-opened onMay 9th with two experienced VSO from District 1.  We are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PMand weekends by appointment.

This is what it is really all about.  We are back in the business of Helping Veterans.  This is why we worked so hard – so we would not lose the last remaining American Legion Hall in the City of Seattle, we – The American Legion – would continue to have a place in Seattle that is ours 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed to get together and help each other in an environment that is safe and comfortable to those Veterans in need.

We, at West Seattle Post 160, have great plans for the future.  A new Direction that leads to a Family Friendly, Service Oriented American Legion.

Thank you to all those that have offered advice, encouragement, helping hands, and funds for us to continue our Journey.

Keith Hughes
Commander
American Legion Post 160
President, West Seattle Veterans Service Center