Homeless legislation Public Comment from Karlene KhorAimee Brunckhorst
From: K Khor <kkhor838@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 1:50 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Homeless legislation
Mayor Johnson and City Council members:
I know you've heard from many on this issue of homelessness and the safety and concerns of the community for their
parks and public areas. I think it's clear the issue is larger than just our parks and public areas.
Along with the ordinance you are working upon to address the homeless in park and public areas; would you also
consider forming a new city committee and inviting the public and any entity involved with this issue of homelessness to
participate as members of this city committee and charge them to look at the subject and explore "umbrella" solutions?
This could provide the city with data and possible opportunities for public/private ventures to address this issue of
homelessness and its effects/costs on our businesses, community and our citizens. There may be some solutions helpful
to affordable housing, mental health, sidewalk safety and other ancillary issues to the subject of homelessness that can
be found. There may be grant monies or opportunities to secure funding for our police and other first responders to the
homeless.
Homeless affects our entire city and community. It's not invisible and it has consequences
At our downtown location, we have had several experiences with the homeless. I am sure all businesses on Main Street
have had experiences with the homeless too.
Last summer, tourists ran into our building quite frightened and fearful for their safety because a man was screaming at
the top of his lungs as he marched up and down Main Street. They asked me if our city was safe to walk in. No business
wants tourists to think Downtown Kalispell is not safe.
We have had a homeless person try to gain entrance to our building by telling us they were MayorJohnson and were
there to inspect the building.
We understand other buildings and businesses have had experiences which have caused them to implement stronger
safety and security measures for their buildings. A comprehensive unified approach and education on the subject along
with listening sessions would be common sense initial applications for this city committee.
Businesses are not heartless entities and it's clear many of the homeless are suffering from mental illness, lack of
affordable housing and other problems. A more unified approach by the city with community involvement can be
successful.
In other words, I think a city committee could provide an opportunity for the city to take the lead and bring many
community actors/members to the table to look at this subject of homelessness and possibly find a whole integrated
approach together on the subject.
Karlene Khor
Manager
La Lark Llc
222 Main Street
Kalispell
Sent from my iPhone