Mount Vernon thrift store opens to raise funds for new senior center
Updated July 31, 2026
Changes to senior services in Skagit County are inevitable due to rising costs of operation and lack of federal funding, and government officials are looking toward partnerships, “outside the box funding” and lasting solutions.
Earlier this month, local seniors took a proactive approach through the opening of New2You, a volunteer-run thrift store down the street from the aging Mount Vernon Senior Center with hopes of raising money for a new senior center. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A big change for senior services is that local nonprofit Skagit Council on Aging will now provide the senior nutrition contract as opposed to the county. [Ed.: Previous version incorrectly stated that Northwest Regional Council will no longer oversee the contract]
The change comes as a result of rising food and staff costs; senior services and nutrition programs are expected to cost the county $1.7 million in 2026 as it faces a $10 million deficit in the general fund for 2027, according to a county press release. [Ed.: numbers updated]
Senior services, including the operation of senior centers and associated programming, are funded separately from the senior meal program.
Due to the general fund deficit, county commissioners are tasked with making reductions in expenses to pass a balanced budget.
“Those reductions included eliminating 51 staff positions, transitioning the senior meal program to a nonprofit provider, continuing the current hiring freeze, consolidating county resources between departments and looking at more efficient workflows and organizational structures to ensure mandated county services continue as required,” the information page states.
Now, according to Council on Aging President Elena Roppel, Meals on Wheels will continue under the nonprofit.
Northwest Regional Council Executive Director Amanda McDade said during a town hall in April that funding has been flat for years and no longer supports the costs of the programs.
She said partnering with Skagit Council on Aging and maintaining a working relationship with the programs gives her hope for longevity.
“We are very excited for that; it’s an opportunity that our board felt was necessary for us to take,” Roppel said.
McDade said congregate and home-delivered meals will continue and work is being done to retain all county employees and volunteers working in the nutrition program.
Looking toward 2027 and beyond, while McDade said she doesn’t want to give “false hope” that everything will be exactly the same, the goal is to continue serving seniors with the same program.
“We think this is an opportunity… to look at funding in a different way that maybe the county couldn’t have previously,” she said. “We’re looking at partnerships in 2027 that might think about things outside the box.”
Taking on repairs of the current facility or rebuilding from the ground up is too big a task for just the city, county or the pair together, Mount Vernon Councilmember Mary Hudson said at the town hall.
“We know that we all care deeply for our seniors,” she said. “I am a senior, you care deeply for me, I care deeply for you, but in order to be able to ensure services, things are going to have to look a little bit different.”
The current facility was built in 1938 and served as an elementary school until the 1970s.
Walls are cracking, the electrical system is failing and there is a lack of space for all the seniors and their activities.
While it is not sustainable longterm, Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen said the building is still operable for the time being. [Ed.: Role updated]
Community members questioned if seniors can relocate temporarily while repairs are made on the current building.
Wesen said due to the building’s age, if any significant repairs are made, the rest of the building would have to be brought up to modern code, an undertaking that’s likely more expensive than the building is worth.
Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan echoed Wesen’s comments about the current facility.
“I want to be very clear with you right now, as urgent as this feels, we are not in crisis mode today,” he said. “We are fortunate that we have an existing facility, as beat up and in need of drastic improvements as it is, it’s providing a place to meet and to serve the needs of our senior community while we move forward thoughtfully to get this right.”
He said the city is very open to working with non-profits or advisory boards for a different management style of the center similar to others in the region.
Hudson said her vision of an updated center results only in partnerships.
“I drive around, how many of you drive around, and look at an empty building and say ‘I wonder if that would work for the senior center?’… Keep those ideas coming,” Hudson said.
The Mount Vernon Senior Center Advisory Board is one group taking some action.
“Our mission is to build a new Senior and Community Center with a capital fund drive,” said advisory board president Gerry Douglas.
—By Salish Current staff