Flathead Warming Center from Alice MillardJudi Funk
From: Alice Millard <alice.millard@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 4:07 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Flathead Warming Center
I have volunteered at the Flathead Warming Center and I know that it serves as more than just a
place to get in from the cold. There is counseling, food, a place to shower and wash clothes.
People can find themselves homeless for a wide variety of reasons. I know you are aware of the
housing crunch in the Flathead. For some people even the slightest raise in rent can break them.
Or a medical emergency or a car breakdown. The idea of closing the warming center seems
counter productive even for the most self-centered business owner. The Warming Center takes
40 people off the streets from 6pm to Sam for the coldest 6 months of the year. Closing it would
just add to the burdens of the police, emergency workers, and the hospital, not to mention
business and home owners.
What has impressed me significantly is the community support for the Warming Center. Food,
clothing, and monetary donations are made by the wonderful and generous citizens of Kalispell,
not to mention the volunteers who find the time to help out at the warming center in the
mornings and evenings.
Sincerely,
Alice Millard
144 Shelter View Drive
Kalispell, MT 59901
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