Focusing on affordable housing

A hearing Tuesday reminded us all again how much of a challenge people at the lower end of the economy face when trying to find affordable housing.

The expert speakers from local organizations like Samaritan House and the Abbie Shelter, along with representatives from the city of Kalispell, explained at the hearing that the homeless among us are mostly permanent residents from the area who are down on their luck.

But even beyond that problem, there is an undeniable upward trend in housing prices that has put the budget crunch on many workers. Indeed, so many people are priced out of the market for housing that it makes one wonder how things can continue at this pace.

The work force needs to live somewhere, and innovative solutions will probably be needed before long. The city of Kalispell is exploring the idea of a community land trust, for instance. No one knows what will work in the long run, but at least the issue is being talked about now.

What price can you put on 15 years of lost freedom?

In a recent court settlement, that price was $3.5 million - the amount Jim Bromgard of Kalispell will receive from the state for serving 15 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

That might seem like a lot of money, but it's a paltry sum, really, to compensate for the tainted prosecution and wrongful conviction that put Bromgard behind bars.

As Bromgard's attorney concluded, "There's no amount of money that will compensate him for 15 1/2 years in prison. This will start to heal the wounds."

We concur. Remember that freedom is priceless.

Area cancer patients have a true friend in Wings. For 11 years the nonprofit organization has helped people struggling with the disease pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as gas and lodging while they're undergoing treatment.

But as witnessed during the Wings radiothon fundraiser each year, Wings is much more than an organization. It's children bringing in fistfuls of change for the cause, or elderly residents on fixed incomes pooling spare dollars to give.

Almost everyone these days knows of someone who is struggling with cancer. Oftentimes, treatment is far away, in Seattle or other metropolitan centers.

It's not too late to contribute to this year's fundraiser. Call Wings at 257-WING or stop by the Sportsman and Ski Haus today before 6 p.m. to make a donation.