In Regards to the Conditional Use Permit Discussion Public Comment from Vicki Walbruch
Dear Kalispell City Council Members
I received these video links from a friend in Helena. I hope you take the time to view this video as it provides a fair representation of our Flathead County unhoused before your work
session discussion on the conditional use permit. We cannot compare our unhoused to those in the larger cities such as Seattle and Portland. These are individuals with ties to our Flathead
County.
The root of homelessness is complex. It is not an individual’s choice. A lack of mental health, recovery facilities and supportive housing compounds the situation. These much-needed
resources are not financially supported by our government. These are critical for our unhoused community. The Flathead Warming Center provides resources to our “guests” to assist them
with that hand up and not a handout. As a third-year volunteer I have seen the benefits of those resources as they are utilized.
Where is the compassion and understanding for these individuals? In the words of Kevin Nye “homelessness ENDS WITH A HOME.”
Here’s the link to the homeless video about Homeless in Helena. The panel discussion has some audio issues.
* The film can be viewed here: https://www.helenacivictv.org/on-demand/5387 <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helenacivictv.org%2Fon-demand%2F5387&data=05
%7C02%7Cabrunckhorst%40kalispell.com%7Ca9ad6d22a3324a68f7b708dc608911dc%7C6219d736f71146359cbaff616a81b398%7C1%7C0%7C638491389042911130%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJ
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* The panel discussion that followed is available here: https://www.helenacivictv.org/on-demand/5388 <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.helenacivictv.org%2
Fon-demand%2F5388&data=05%7C02%7Cabrunckhorst%40kalispell.com%7Ca9ad6d22a3324a68f7b708dc608911dc%7C6219d736f71146359cbaff616a81b398%7C1%7C0%7C638491389042922417%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLj
AwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=naumiYqo3qj8OkXObSUN9leYYGiDu64IOgJHZj7Xy4k%3D&reserved=0> along with the video.
We take care of each other in the Flathead!
Sincerely,
Vicki Walbruch
Mobile: 406-471-1034
134 Fairway Blvd, Kalispell MT 59901-2770
Email: vicki.marie52@gmail.com <mailto:vicki.marie52@gmail.com>