Support for emergency shelter during Covid-19 Public Comment from Donnel O'FlynnFrom:priest@ccepiscopal.org
To:Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL] support for emergency shelter during Covid-19
Date:Monday, April 20, 2020 12:11:17 PM
Mayor Johnson and members of the Council:
My name is (Rev) Donnel O'Flynn, a resident of Kalispell and rector of
Christ Church Episcopal at 215 3rd Ave East.
Thank you for considering designating an emergency shelter for the
homeless population. It is much needed. While serving as the host site
for the Warming Center over the past four months, we at Christ Church
became more aware of the vulnerability of this population. It was
because the Warming Center was unable to provide sufficient public
health safeguards in our facility that the Center ceased operations
earlier than planned, in Mid-March. The public health dangers of
potentially infected persons wandering uncared for, unable to shelter in
place, are clear. The new shelter would address these concern. It will
be a resource benefitting the entire community. I respectfully request
that you give it your endorsement.