Hotel de Gink

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Hotel de Gink were self-service hotels created for homeless men. Jeff Davis, known as the “king of the hobos,” opened the first one in Seattle in 1913. The idea spread to other cities, with branches in Tacoma and Portland, and later New York City.

Though called hotels, they worked more like shelters run by the residents themselves. The places were self-supporting: residents contributed what they could to cover costs, and in return they received meals, barbering, tailoring, and basic medical care. All services were provided by residents, who were expected to volunteer at least two days a week in exchange for lodging. The facilities were run by residents, who decided who could stay. Guests slept on the floor on donated blankets. Local restaurants and other businesses supplied kitchen gear and large equipment; residents handled upkeep and maintenance.

The movement began during a recession in 1913, when unemployment and homelessness were high. Davis promoted self-sufficiency and even started a "hobo cabaret" of homeless performers. NYC opened a hotel in early 1915 with a grand gala, but it operated only in winter and closed before the U.S. entered World War I. Buffalo opened in 1925 under Mayor Frank X. Schwab and closed in 1929. None of the hotels still operate today, but the idea left a lasting impact.

The term Hotel de Gink became slang for a short-term, poor-quality living situation, and the name was even used by U.S. troops for some transient officer housing. The concept has appeared in popular culture as an example of self-run, resident-maintained homeless services.