Flathead Warming Center Public Comment from Jeanne TurnerNov 2, 2020
Jeanne Turner
2215 Widgeon Ct.
Kalispell, MT 59901
406-261-5000
Kalispell City Councilmembers,
am writing on behalf of the request for a Conditional Use Permit for the Flathead Warming Center.
volunteered this past winter at the Warming Center when it was in the Episcopal Church, and I was very, very
impressed with the people in charge, the other volunteers, and our guests. Although I had been aware of the
needs of the homeless for a number of years (working for the Salvation Army), this was my first experience
working directly with them, and it was an amazing experience.
The following are some things that really impressed me:
• How sincerely grateful our guests were for a warm safe place to sleep, some food so they weren't
going to bed hungry, and for a place where they could keep their beloved pets right with them.
• How polite & helpful they were to the volunteers, and to each other. It was amazing to see them share
what little they had with others who had less.
• 1 never felt unsafe around the guests, and it was good to become acquainted with each one and their
situation. You could tell that they appreciated our interest in their lives and well-being.
• How different guests did what they could to keep the facilities clean, help keep the outdoor areas neat,
and to encourage other guests to do the same.
• How supportive the Flathead general community was in volunteering, donating food & supplies,
making sack lunches —all we had to do was make a need known, and it was supplied in abundance. We
are already getting calls from folks asking what we need for this next winter.
There is definitely a need for this service in our community, and our goal is to have a facility large enough so
that we don't have to turn people away on a cold night because we are already full. This facility at 889 North
Meridian Road seems to have the potential to fulfill the needs of this community for a Low Barrier Shelter, and
would ask that you approve our request.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Turner
Flathead Warming Center Volunteer