1) Update on the Flathead Warming Center Comment from Tonya Horn, Warming Center Aimee Brunckhorst
From: Flathead Warming Center FWC <flatheadwarmingcenter@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 6:05 PM
To: Doug Russell; Kalispell City Council
Subject: EXTERNAL Update on the Flathead Warming Center
We appreciate the opportunity to provide an update on our continued efforts to serve our
community with compassion, accountability, and transparency.
Our doors have remained open—not just to those experiencing homelessness, but to
communication with our neighbors, city officials, and the broader public.We understand that we
will never make everyone happy, and we accept that reality with humility.While the vast majority of
community members have engaged with us in good faith,we acknowledge that a small handful
remain in opposition.
Prior to our first quarterly open board meeting, I sent personal notifications of the meeting to each
member of the neighborhood workgroup.At the board meeting, one attendee stated, "We do not
care about the good you do,we just do not want you here."This was a shared sentiment among the
small group who attended.That moment was difficult, but it also clarified the importance of
ongoing dialogue.We followed up in email asking for details regarding any incident that has
occurred.We did not receive a response.To date,we have not received information about an
incident forwhich we can be responsive too.
While it may be tempting to focus on the loudest voices or the most emotionally charged feedback,
we ask that you also consider the broader picture—because the communication we've received
from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Our second quarterly open board meeting was posted on our social media page. Our biggest
opposition, Kindee Nelson is upset that she was not notified of the meeting because she is blocked
from our Facebook page. I do not know the specifics as to why Ms. Nelson is blocked from our
Facebook page,we rarely have blocked anyone other than in cases of hatefulness and/or
disrespectful comments regarding the homeless community. Regardless,we can do better.We will
post our quarterly board meetings on ourwebsite. Our next open meeting is in January.
We want to emphasize that our quarterly board meetings are not the only way for neighbors to
communicate with us. In fact, our phone number is prominently displayed on the side of our
building—we welcome calls,visits, and conversations at any time.
We understand that we may never satisfy the concerns of a few individuals, but we hope not to
become their permanent target. Our focus remains on solutions, collaboration, and the well-being
of our guests and our community.We are proud of the steps we've continued to take to be a
responsible neighbor, and we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and service.
Sincerely,
Tonyn Horn
Executive Director
Flathead Warming Center
(406) 250-8652
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