Friendship House opened its doors in 1986. It was started with a commitment to peace and justice and a calling to help the growing homeless population in the Skagit Valley. 

Friendship House's first residence at 1008 S. Third Street in Mount Vernon accommodated men downstairs and women upstairs. In 1992, a second house was purchased at 922 S. Third Street dedicated to women and families. Meals, clothing and referrals to other services were offered.

The founders observed that the institutional model of shelters - where homeless people must be out by early morning - did not allow people the time or space to develop stability, nor did it give them an opportunity to heal and change. Friendship House operated (and still operates) from a "community model." It depended on the solidarity and participation of the people living here. Residents contributed to cooking, cleaning, painting, repairing and maintaining the houses and still do today.

As Friendship House moved into the mid-1990s, it opened transitional houses for former residents. These houses were run with support from Friendship House staff and depended on the full participation of the residents and provided the opportunity to regain life-skills in a supportive environment. Currently there is one Transitional House in the Friendship House portfolio and a great need for more.  Right now, Friendship House is searching for properties that fit the needs of our transitioning residents here in Mount Vernon.  We also own “Barbara’s House” which is the first of its kind in our properties, to allow for long-term affordable low-income rents to graduates of our program who have either aged out of the work force or are disabled in some way, restricting their incomes to a low fixed monthly amount.

As Friendship House continues, with over 35 years of service, it holds true to the vision of its founders. It remains an independent organization committed to building community among people in crisis. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Friendship House is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and operates with a staff of nine, not including our team of 21 on staff, who specifically run the newly opened Skagit First Step Center, in Burlington, WA.  

This new low-barrier shelter is operating at full capacity, currently offering 38 cabins for safe shelter and access to services.  We are working with the City of Burlington to grow the Cabin Units and other added measures to increase occupancy at this site.