A request for your time prior to Monday's meeting Public Comment from Tonya HornAimee Brunckhorst
From: Flathead Warming Center FWC<flatheadwarmingcenter@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2020 9:13 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL] A request for your time prior to Monday's meeting
Dear Mayor and Council,
We look forward to being before you this coming Monday.
I ask for an additional 11 minutes of your time as you prepare. Please click on this link and watch the Flathead
Warming Center Video.
https://youtu.be/ Xs8YTLQIRs
This video is a true representation of what we do. This video gives a peek into the Flathead Warming Center and the
lives of those that we serve.
As you watch, I have a couple of points to make.
1. There are many misconceptions, stereotypes, labels, and fears centered around those that we serve. We understand
that anything that will happen in the neighborhood will most likely be attributed to the Flathead Warming Center and to
those that we serve. However, we will always listen to these concerns because it is important to validate and to be
responsive through all of our efforts to be a good neighbor. The fact is, the fears and "what -ifs" have not been our
experience at all.
2. Our communication and partnership with neighbors doesn't end with an approved Conditional Use Permit; it only
begins! We will always be responsive to neighbors concerns. The Flathead Warming Center does not do anything alone.
It will be through continuing to partner with our community, and especially our new neighbors that will make this a
continued success.
3. In the video, you will see images of the ugliness of homelessness in our community. Disgusting messes that require
cleanup... there is no excuse for such behavior! However, we know that when an individual feels wanted, is given the
opportunity to hold their own dignity, and to participate and give back to the community, behaviors change. As we
move beyond welfare to community, that's when walls come down and lives change. Bringing people inside to warmth,
structure, and safety, makes the entire community more safe! Unfortunately, not all homeless will participate in our
services and the community we build inside the Warming Center. While we work hard for the mess to improve, I believe
we will unfortunately continue to have some homeless mess in our community. I do look to future ways that the
community we build inside the Flathead Warming Center can work with the City for cleanup.
4. You will hear, "Build it and they will come." Anyone who believes this does not know the Flathead Warming Center.
We provide warmth and safety. We are not the Hilton. I assure you, no one moves to the Flathead for our thin plastic
mattresses, rules, and expectations. We serve those that are hurting in our community!
Thank you for your commitment to our entire community. We will always work hard to earn your vote of confidence.
We look forward to your vote and especially for when you can visit and see first hand what you see in the video. My
hope is that you will want to partner with us too!
Thank you for your service.
Tonya Horn
Executive Director
Flathead Warming Center
(406) 250-8652