03-04-20 Homeless Task Force MinutesHomeless Task Force Meeting Minutes from 3/4/2020 meeting
Present:
Rod Kuntz, Gary Hall, Tom Rygg, Pastor Scott Thompson, Jim Atkinson, Jarod Nygren, Doug
Russell
Guest: Susan — Salvation Army
Cnil to Order --
Rod called the meeting to order at 1:01 PM, on Wednesday March 4, 2020 in the City of Kalispell
lower conference room.
NPw Rji6nPcc--
Summary — Rod gave the task force a summary of the County housing mapping meeting. There is
also a group at the County looking at the issue that the task force will need to coordinate with.
Also concerned with how the homeless numbers are all over the place. Rod read off a list of
contradictory numbers from different times and reporting groups. Real numbers are essential to
tackle the scope.
Introductions — Gary introduced Susan from the Salvation Army. Susan indicated the Salvation
Army is open 5 days a week and serves breakfast and lunch (10-25 at breakfast and 25-80 at
lunch). Showers and laundry available throughout the day. Eagle Transit picks up at warming
center for breakfast. Susan indicated that they receive a lot of calls for rental assistance. She
indicated financial literacy is definitely an issue. Homeless population seems to be aware of their
options and 70-80% have a cell phone. They don't allow people to stay overnight, although some
Salvation Army's do offer that service. Also internal policies keep them from having beds. Susan
does feel that a more central location would be better as they are not very accessible and don't see
many families. Susan indicated there is gaps in weekend services. Too many services during the
week?
Discussion — City of Kalispell well represented at the County Meeting. It would be nice to have
an ongoing point in time survey. 1 homeless person created more than 50 contacts and there is no
place to take them per the police chief. There is a gap for that individual whom doesn't represent
the entire community. Need to identify the gaps! Reason understanding the numbers is so
important. Rod presented a flyer of the "Oxford House" and instructed Jarod to look into it.
Would one be allowed in the City? At the housing mapping meeting housing affordability was
prioritized, which has created a push for a housing needs assessment within Kalispell. There
seems to be certain populations seeking services that are currently underserved. What are they?
Technology gap between all of the services seems to be an issue as well.
Adjourn:
Gary Moved and Jim seconded a motion to adjourn at 2:15. Motion approved unanimous.