Save the Warming Center Public Comment from Andrea BachmanAimee Brunckhorst
From: Andrea Bachman <andrea.c.bachman@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 3:05 PM
To: Kalispell Meetings Public Comment
Subject: EXTERNAL Save the Warming Center
To those voting on potentially closing the center:
I am an 8 year resident of Kalispell, very involved with our community. I have seen our community grow,
my friends priced out of housing, more and more young people and families on the street and have had
two friends who have needed to utilize local shelters in times of crisis. The Warming Center is CRUCIAL
to hundreds of folks who have needed shelter every year since it's been open. Additionally, keeping the
shelter open, means that folks have a safe, accountable space in which to rest, heal, and gain strength to
be people who can also serve our community at large.
Consider the reality that most of us are a paycheck away from losing our homes and the impact an
unexpected event can have on an individual, let alone a family. Closing the warming center will put
undue stress on our existing shelters, making it harder for families with young children to have the
services they need and increasing the number of folks in the streets in the dead of winter. For those who
care about the image of Kalispell, our homeless population will seem even larger without the warming
center.
The center is a service that provides an opportunity for its guests to meet basic needs many of us take for
granted. It provides a community where people can reconnect with themselves, each other and their
dreams. An increased sense of dignity in any of us benefits us all.
Vote to keep the warming center open.
Thankyou,
Andrea
Andrea C Bachman (they/she)
Community Catalyst
Grounded Here LLC
Group Facilitation, Coaching & Community Yoga
(734) 834-0172
wwwjinkedin,comf infandrea- ac man- 5a a58f