Public Comment RE: Warming Center Todd KoenigAimee Brunckhorst
From: Ted Koenig <koenig.ted@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 9:41 AM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Public Comment RE: Warming Center
Ted Koenig
346 Bonita Circle,
Whitefish, MT 59937
July 10, 2024
Dear Kalispell City Council,
I am writing to express my respectful opposition to calls to revoke the conditional use permit for the
Flathead Warming Center. While I understand there are concerns from some neighbors about impacts
on the surrounding area, I believe closing this essential facility would do far more harm than good for our
community.
During the coldest months of the year, the Warming Center provides a critical service for our most
vulnerable residents. I have had the opportunity to witness the importance of this service as a former
volunteer at the Warming Center. Admittedly, I became involved with the Warming Center because I was
one of those area residents concerned about the Warming Center's impact on my West North
neighborhood. What better way, I thought at the time, than to participate in the work there and observe
the efforts of the staff and facility to care for those in need?
I have come away from that experience as a volunteer committed to the belief that the Warming Center's
staff and volunteers do their level best to care for shelter residents and our community, including their
immediate neighbors. The concerns of some of the neighbors you have heard from are not unfounded,
and issues of increased crime, drug use, and loitering demand solutions. Yet to revoke the Warming
Center's permit would not strike the compassionate balance I believe this Council seeks to find.
As the Council is well aware, the Flathead Valley's rise in homelessness is due to many complex factors,
including population growth, rising housing costs, and lack of mental health resources. In this
challenging environment, the Warming Center stands as more than just a shelter— it's a lifeline. By
connecting individuals with job training, housing assistance, and other critical services, it plays an
indispensable role in our community's support system for the homeless. To revoke the Warming Center's
permit would sever this vital link and, I worry, destabilize a crucial part of the support system our
community now needs to address homelessness.
I urge the Council to explore collaborative solutions with the Warming Center staff, local law
enforcement, and concerned citizens to address the issues raised while maintaining this essential
service. Together, I believe we can find a balanced approach that makes Kalispell safer and more
compassionate for all.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ted
P.S. As a former resident of Kalispell and current property owner at 471 3rd Ave West North, I retain a
vested interest in the well-being of the city and its residents.
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