Mount Vernon homeless meals cut due to neighbor complaints

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Officials say a cafeteria in Mount Vernon will no longer serve breakfast and lunch to people who lack permanent shelter because of complaints from neighboring businesses.

The Skagit Valley Herald reported starting Sept. 1 the Friendship House Cafe will serve dinner only.

The nonprofit’s executive director Tina Tate said they don’t necessarily agree with the move but will try it.

Pastor Jim Fikkert, of the nearby Communion Church, said as a member of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association he’s been communicating the concerns of businesses which include loitering, littering and vandalism, all of which he says are increasing.

He said he supports “100 percent” Friendship House’s housing programs but has concerns about people who come for meals in part because they don’t require people to be sober.

He said none of the homeless will starve if they are only given one meal a day.