The Nation : Activist Ends 4-Day Fast

The White House said that it would release $965,000 in emergency federal funds to begin repairs to a shelter for the homeless, prompting activist Mitch Snyder to end a four-day hunger strike. As the White House issued its statement, Sen. Mark O. Hatfield (R-Ore.) went to the shelter to give the news to Snyder, who was weak and pale after refusing food and water since Sunday. Standing in a circle with Snyder and 27 other fasters, Hatfield passed a cup of water to the activist. Snyder started the hunger strike to pressure the Reagan Administration to release $5 million that it had promised March 16 for repairs to the crumbling federally owned building.