Homelessness in the Flathead Public Comment from Lori BainterAimee Brunckhorst
From: Lori B <kiltedwoman@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 22, 2023 11:22 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Homelessness in the Flathead
Our county commissioners apparently do not know any homeless people personally. I do. I am a nurse and serve
patients at the Assist center as well as recently hospitalized patients who do not have a primary doctor. Many are
without housing or are on the verge of losing their home. As I am sure you are aware, there is a huge problem here with
the cost of housing. The problem is not the people. Most of the people I work with do not have a phone or the mental
capacity to contact their other homeless "buddies" to encourage them to come to Kalispell. I don't know where you get
this idea, but it's pure fantasy. Living here in the winter is a death sentence if there are no shelters. Most of the patients
I contact have experienced horrific life situations which have caused barriers to being housed and taking care of their
health. The wonderful folks at Assist, and many other programs here, help connect them to resources. Limit these
programs and shelters and you will have blood on your hands. Not even a dog deserves to live outside in all kinds of
weather. How about you sit down with some of these citizens, learn what the real problems are and find out how you
can actually make a meaningful change instead of blaming them for their illnesses and misfortunes.
Sincerely, Lori Bainter, RN
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