Warming Center Comments by Debra SzalayJudi Funk
From: Deb <ndszalay@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:28 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Warming Center comments
Chad Graham,
I was at the meeting last night, but had to leave a little early so couldn't say my piece.
I'm sure that the WS staff is wonderful and that the people staying overnight are held to a high
standard of behavior. I don't want or need a tour. The thing is, a lot of the damage and
horrendous behavior is done during the day when the center is closed, so saying the WS people
are innocent in all this mess is ridiculous.
I am on Glacier St. My neighbors young son goes to Peterson. They have tried walking to
school a couple of times and have been screamed at and have seen everything from exposed
body parts to fighting, pooping, and passed out drunks. Just driving to school recently they saw
an ambulance pulling a body out of the ditch. Her son has been really traumatized by all of this.
We too have needles in our yards and strangers walking the neighborhood.
For the first time in my life, I won't even go to Albertsons by myself after dark. I used to walk
at Gateway Mall, but can't even do that now be of the transients sleeping in chairs, asking for
money, etc. I am 72 years old and I have never been afraid before.
I am as compassionate as they come, but I refuse to be made to feel guilty for wanting to protect
my family and my property. I, just like all of these other neighbors have worked for years (I've
been in my house 48) for our homes and little piece of the world. I have empathy for the
homeless and the addicts, but I am neither of those things, and it isn't up to me to provide things
for them so they can disrespect or destroy the things that I have worked and saved for my
whole life.
A shelter is needed, but the tail is wagging the dog with the Warming Center. So every night 40
of them are warm, and during those times they are on their best behavior, and then revert back
to problem children who roam the streets all day when they are booted out. There is no
accountability for their actions.
We have all been through trauma and been treated unfairly in life. Many much worse than
others. But there are resources for the people who truly want the help. Simply enabling and
making excuses for them isn't the answer.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to voice my opinion.
Sincerely,
Debra Szalay
15 Glacier Street
Kalispell, Mt
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