Evictions at the Outlaw Inn Public Comment from Bruce GillisAimee Brunckhorst
From: Bruce Gillis <bgillis@remotesunlimited.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2022 3:19 PM
To: Mark Johnson; Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Cc: senator@daines.senate.gov; senator@tester.senate.gov;
mbaldwin@dailyinterlake.com; edit@dailyinterlake.com
Subject: EXTERNAL Evictions at the Outlaw Inn
Mr. Mayor and Kalispell City Council Members:
The situation with respect to the pending eviction in February of approximately 200 residents of the Outlaw Inn causes me
great concern. Given the shortage of affordable housing in the area and what I am hearing about the rental property
vacancy rate overall, it seems unlikely that this large number of displaced residents will be able to secure adequate
housing by the time of the evictions. I understand from statements made by leaders of the social services community in
Kalispell that there simply are not enough resources — shelter, food bank, counseling, etc. — to serve anywhere near this
number of potential new people requiring their help. It seems highly likely that this could result in human tragedy and a
major problem for the community.
So, I am requesting your assurance that you are aware of and working to address this issue. I have been trying to think of
possible solutions, or at least things that could be done to ameliorate the situation. It would seem that providing
temporary shelter and food may be necessary, at a minimum. I am wondering if a building or buildings at the fairgrounds
might be outfitted and used to house those of the evicted population who have no other shelter available. Or perhaps
there are other facilities — such as a former school building — that might be pressed into service. If not that, then perhaps
gyms or auditoriums of schools that are presently in service could be used. I imagine that is what would occur if this were
a flood or fire or other disaster that required emergency population shelter. I am wondering if religious organizations are
aware of this potential disaster and mobilizing to help address it. In all other places I have lived (which is many), churches
and synagogues would be all over this kind of situation.
Anyway, please take steps to ensure that a tragedy does not unfold for these people and for our community.
Regards,
Bruce Gillis
bgillis�"�ayale.edu
mobile: 610-304-6230