The homeless in Kalispell Public Comment from Brenda CorbinAimee Brunckhorst
From: Brenda Corbin <bcorbin60l @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 6:46 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL The homeless in Kalispell
I understand people's empathy toward the homeless but I do not agree that enabling them is helpful to them.
Would we think that handing an alcoholic a drink helps them? Let's start being more innovative in our
thinking. Montana has a huge budget surplus. Isn't there a way to build and fund a housing center for the
mentally disabled and staff it with professionals? For the people who choose to live this lifestyle (and there
are many) let's get some temporary housing and require mandatory occupational therapy and X number of
hours working for them to receive any benefits.
I don't know how all the details would work but these people would feel better about themselves if they were
productive (if they are able). Handing out everything we can think of to make them more comfortable in their
lifestyle is not helpful to them or to the community in general.
I appreciate the commitment the various non profits have towards the homeless but they need to realize that
there is a fine line between helping and enabling. Perhaps they should dedicate more resources for alcohol
and drug counseling.
Thank you,
Brenda Corbin
601 1st Ave E
Kalispell, MT
406-871-9903