May 13 Work Session from Kalispell Chamber, Lorraine ClarnoJudi Funk
From: Lorraine Clarno <I.clarno@kalispellchamber.com>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 12:31 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL May 13 Work Session
Attachments: Kalispell Chamber_20240513_122836.pdf
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In case it goes too long ............ here is our written testimony. Thank you so much for tackling this difficult
discussion.
Sincerely,
W LorraineClarno
> President/CEO
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CHAMBER
Kalispell City Council
Re: Warming Center Conditional Use Permit Work Session
May 13, 2024
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce has prioritized keeping Kalispell safe, vibrant, and welcoming for all
Since February of 2023, we have been heavily engaged in various activities to protect our downtown
economic core. Homelessness is not a crime but vagrancy, and the crimes that involve trespassing on
private property, littering, defecation on private and public property, drug and alcohol use in public, and
sex trafficking are.
The ecosystem of criminal justice and social services is complex. We are here tonight to underscore our
shared responsibility in addressing this complex and growing challenge. We want to continue to work
with the City of Kalispell and our many partners, as we believe that we can make a significant impact only
through collective effort.
The Warming Center is a crucial partner in our collective efforts. They are essential to this complex
system, providing safety and shelter during our cold Montana winters, However, the business challenge
arises when guests engage in the abovementioned activities. We have had businesses close to the
Warming Center share that their staff and customers continue to experience and witness these
behaviors, ultimately creating fear- perceived or real. These businesses include grocery stores, gas
stations, restaurants, financial institutions, and corner markets.
The Chamber, as a collective voice for businesses, speaks out on their behalf. For various reasons, many
businesses are uncomfortable providing testimony and prefer anonymity. They do not want to experience
negative repercussions if they are construed as criticizing or stigmatizing homeless neighbors and friends.
Open and respectful dialogue, even if anonymous, can help identify challenges and explore potential
strategies for addressing them while ensuring the dignity and rights of all involved.
As this is a growing national issue, it is important to look to other states and see how things have worked
or not. In 2018, the Portland Metro Area passed a $652.8 million bond to subsidize affordable housing in
the tri-county area. This was followed by an additional $356.7 million tax on services —much of which has
gone into building and establishing low -barrier shelters. It clearly doesn't solve the problem.
Mental and behavioral health, addiction counseling, enforcement, and education are the essential
services that must come with shelter to help our neighbors and friends in crisis. We are a compassionate
community that values all of our neighbors. The Warming Center is a vital part of the .shelter component,
and we strongly encourage them to work closely with the business community - individually and
collectively - to acknowledge these challenges and address these issues as vested and willing partners.
The need for comprehensive support services for the homeless is urgent and cannot be overstated.
ne Clarno, ACE
�Presiden /CEO