Skagit First Step Center

Accepting people where they are, and offering a hand up to help them get where they want to go.


To help support the construction of the Center through a tax deductible* donation to the dedicated City of Burlington Construction Fund, please click below.



To pay by check: please make checks payable to City of Burlington (add "SFSC" to the memo line, or include a note stating for what the check is for). While City Hall is currently closed to the public, your donation paid by check may be mailed, or dropped off in the Utility Payments drop box, which is located in the parking lot at the north end of City Hall, 833 S Spruce St., Burlington, WA 98233.

* A charitable donation receipt will be sent to donors.

Here are some of the costs associated with the construction of the Center, and what your donations can do to  help move the project forward:

Cabins: $7,000** (10 remaining full sponsorships available)
Security Fencing: $1000**
Site Preparation: $750**
Code-Required Landscaping: $500**
Electrical/Lighting Upgrades: $250**

** approximate cost per unit

Skagit First Step is a 24/7 emergency temporary homeless center which will include 45 individual Pallet Shelter Cabins and provide 24/7 onsite management and overnight security. Friendship House will be overseeing the management and operations of the facility.

Along with safe, warm places to sleep, on-site services will be available:

  • Mental health support
  • Substance abuse support
  • Employment services
  • Medical visits
  • Meal services
  • Transportation services

Currently, the permitting process is underway with contracts being developed amongst partners. Donation and volunteer information forms linked below.

The next and future steps for the Skagit First Step Center:

Site work is currently underway, with an anticipated delivery date of 04-26-2021.

  • Infrastructure improvements
    • Electrical placement for each cabin
    • Lighting improvements
    • Fencing upgrades
    • Security camera installation
    • Interior painting and flooring 
    • Internet and phone connectivity 
  • CUP (Conditional Use Permit) application review by Hearings Examiner
  • Ordering of the Pallet Shelter cabins ordered 03-19-2021
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Receipt of donations

If you would like to leave a comment about this program, please fill out our comment form. To sign up as a volunteer, please fill out the volunteer form. If you would like to receive additional information and updates regarding the Skagit First Step Center program, please sign up on our Notify Me list.

Example Image 1 | Example Image 2 | Existing Building Foot Print | Layout Drawing

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