Spurred by Hunger Strike, Reagan Asks Shelter Funds

The White House, under pressure of a third hunger strike by homeless advocate Mitch Snyder, called on Congress today to quickly pass legislation that would release funds to repair an inner-city shelter.

But Snyder, 42, who began his latest fast Sunday, assailed the White House and said the seedy facility cannot be renovated before winter unless the repairs begin within 10 days.

Deputy White House spokesman Peter Roussel said in a statement:

“We urge the Congress to pass without delay the pending legislation that will implement the agreement reached between Mayor (Marion) Barry, Mitch Snyder and the Administration. The terms of that agreement reached March 16 called for transfer of the title of the building . . . to the District of Columbia and appropriates $5 million for its renovation. This legislation has our full support and the support of the District of Columbia as well.”

Snyder, whose efforts in behalf of the homeless was depicted in a recently televised movie, ended a 33-day hunger strike March 16 when the Administration promised to provide the shelter with $5 million.

Reacting to the White House statement, Snyder said: “That’s completely unfair. They’re putting the burden on Congress while Congress has been doing their part. The Administration has the authority to release the funds.”

Snyder ended a 51-day hunger strike in 1984 when the President made a pre-election promise to renovate the shelter. The pledge was later withdrawn because of funding problems.