Letter from Anne (and Andy Miller) in favor of Flathead Warming CenterAimee Brunckhorst
From: anne miller <raggedyaa@outlook.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2020 3:34 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Letter from Anne (and Andy Miller) in favor of Flathead Warming Center
October 31, 2020
Dear Kalispell City Council members,
Thank you for your giving attention and consideration to the request from the Flathead Warming Center (and
its many supporters) at Monday's November 2 Council meeting. As leaders in our city you are aware of the
call on your lives which is a great call. You likely have a personal conviction of your life assignment or
mission that must be pursued. I suspect that, as contributing leaders, you are driven by important causes and
are willing to personally risk involvement. "You can never know the ramifications of your courage for your ...
contribution to the world." (A Work of Heart, page 9, by Reggie McNeal). Than you as you courageously
seek to serve every citizen.
I want to strongly encourage you to approve the Zoning Application from the Flathead Warming Center for a
'conditional use permit' as they seek to acquire the property at 889 North Meridian Road. The FWC has a
track record for the past winter of 2020 that even exceeded even their own expectations for a very successful
operation!
This past first season I served in the capacity of Coordinator of Volunteers for the FWC start-up that was
graciously housed at Christ Church Episcopal. Early on, as a guest attending a FWC board meeting, I was
moved to tears of gratitude for the hearts and the caliber of expertise of those Board members committed to
providing shelter for our neighbors without homes during the harsh season of winter. Their pursuit to
provide much -needed shelter included incredible sensitivity to the neighborhood. They put in place amazing
guidelines that accommodated everyone — from the guests, to the hours of operation, to the strict adherence to
rules, to the expectations of behavior, to the thorough training required of each volunteer.
Personally I was totally in awe of the 100+ Volunteers for the FWC. Each volunteer agreed to set aside 6 hours
of their own valuable time to be trained and prepared to serve at the FWC. Every time I contacted someone to
fill a volunteer slot they reminded me that "it was an honor to be able to"- "yes, count on me!"
Many times I received feedback from volunteers who'd filled a slot for their very first time. Their excitement
over how a guest invited them to play cribbage or how they were making friends among the guests and
volunteers and how they could watch as each guest settled in to stretch out and breathe in gratitude made it so
very worthwhile. Enthusiasm abounded because things went so smoothly and were so enjoyable. Volunteers
represented a wide range of individuals: career men and women, stay at home retired folks, nurses, doctors,
etc. Several brought along their teenage kids for both training and serving.
There is a special story I'd like to share regarding our volunteers. Margaret wanted to serve but was unable to
drive at night due to her cataracts. We found her the perfect slot: On Tuesday mornings she would drive and
pick up the used linen at the FWC and deliver it to High Country Linen (who offered a special discount as
arranged by another volunteer). She returned a couple hours later to deliver it back to the FWC the same
day. What's so special about Margaret's story is that she was herself homeless for a period of time. She knows
the great need. She knows the benefits of having a place to go to that cares about her as a fellow neighbor and
citizen. She knows that receiving that respite of care that honored her dignity gave her the chance to get back
on her feet. Today Margaret lives in her own apartment, contributes to the community and stays very involved
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in community activities. Her heart is full and she's giving back. How lovely if that could be the story of many
guests who are served at the FWC!
Right now volunteers are already inquiring about what is planned for this fast approaching winter for our
neighbors without homes. A very special inquiry from a physician who had volunteered last winter came
several weeks ago. With the inquiry came an offer to advise set-up for necessary Covid precautions, having
given much thought as to how to best tackle the challenges. (Not one guest and not one volunteer was
infected with the Covid virus during the time of operation this past winter). Along with the inquiry was an
offer of a substantial donation to be sure things were moving along. Such is the caliber of our caring
community.
The Flathead Warming Center has started an important ministry. Their leadership clearly knows how to
administer an extremely well -run, well -thought-out facility that maintains dignity, cleanliness, physical safety
and health safety both in and for the surrounding neighborhood. There is a wonderful protocol in place for
every aspect of the community. The heart -felt expertise of the FWC Director and Board covers every detail and
every necessary aspect of operating a fine facility that makes the Kalispell community proud. It is with much
conviction that I plead with you as City Council representatives to approve the Zoning Application as
submitted by the FWC.
Than you from your community for your mission and your heart -led affirmation,
Anne .Miller
_3ndy Miller (Andy Miller also heartily is in agreement to ask for your Zoning approval for the FWC)
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
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