Valley Neighbors Public Comment from Devin SchmitTo whom it may concern:
I was born and raised here in the Flathead, however, neither my parents nor my ancestors are indigenous to this land. It seems anymore that most residents immigrated here, very recently,
from another state. Most of them who can afford to live here have ancestors who, like mine, migrated here from another country halfway across the world. Many of them looking for a
better life, and some fleeing from tyranny, crime and abject poverty.
I see the work of Valley Neighbors as generous, crucial, and extremely positive. They make it possible for refugees and migrants from around the world, often places ravaged by war and
tyranny, to live a good life and share in this beautiful, peaceful place we call home. Valley Neighbors helps migrants secure housing, helps them find work, helps with transportation,
and helps them learn English. This is very necessary and often unseen work; it is not an easy or affordable place to arrive and get going if you don't know anyone here.
I hope the council will remember that immigrants are often the ones serving our community in back-breaking jobs many of us prefer not to do, and usually for much lower pay than we are
willing to accept. They are not the ones driving up housing costs, as some local officials have claimed. They continue to provide labor to our community- installing landscapes, building
houses, replacing roofs, cooking meals, harvesting cherries and reminding us that most of our families are immigrants, too.
I hope the council will hear the comments in support of Valley Neighbors with an open heart and consider what these refugees actually need to live and work in a place like this.
Thank you,
Devin Schmit
1245 7th Ave E, Kalispell