City Parks and Homelessness Public Comment from Andrea BachmanAimee Brunckhorst
From: Andrea Bachman <andrea.c.bachman@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2023 10:16 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Re: City Parks and Homelessness
Good Evening Council Members,
Thank you for your time and care this evening with the many concerned citizens of our
community. My name is Andrea Bachman and I live on 7th Avenue East. As someone who has
worked with local residents who are facing challenges that sometimes lead to homelessness
(through my work at CRY], as a local event host, etc), and with family members who have
struggled with addiction, it is clear to me that a solution to this problem needs to be
multifaceted and focused on the root causes of the issues people are facing. No one chooses
addiction. If we are going to change the local ordinances that limit where folks may be using
drugs and do not offer harm reduction services, like needle depositories, needle exchange,
transformative mental health care, a consistent space to sleep and shower, and access to food,
the issues we face will only increase.
Some things that stood out to me to consider as you work toward a next step:
- Where will people go for shelter if the parks are off limits? And especially if the library and
other indoor spaces are off limits? (as one person suggested)
- What treatment services are currently in place in our jails and are they effective?
- How are we responsible and accountable as local leaders for the dire needs of those living on
the streets experiencing life -threatening conditions?
- What funding is available for a detox center in our community? What about a center focused on
offering day -time services?
- What would it take to get Kalispell at a functional zero level of homelessness? Who will take
this on for our community?
- Have you built relationships with the people who are of most concern? Have you asked them
where they would prefer to go? What they need?
- Would a group of people carrying all of their belongings and looking for a place to rest be
granted a permit to gather in a park pavilion?
As we collaboratively work toward a solution, it will require us to be uncomfortable and exposed
to experiences we may not have chosen. Being uncomfortable is not the same as being unsafe.
Thank you for your time,
Andrea Bachman
Andrea Bachman
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