Emergency shelter to continue in Kalispell

The Flathead Emergency Shelter for unhoused individuals will continue to operate through the first phase of the governor’s orders to reopen the state.

The shelter has been operating for two weeks at the Samaritan House Administration Center off Meridian Road through the efforts of the Samaritan House, Flathead Warming Center, Flathead Community Health Center, Salvation Army, ASSIST, Kalispell Regional Hospital and the Flathead City-County Health Department. In the last week, more agencies, including ImagineIF Library, the Heart Locker and Western Montana Mental Health Center, have also connected with guests.

The shelter stated in a press release that the county health officer has informed them the governor’s orders that at-risk individuals shelter in place through Phase 2 does apply to the emergency shelter.

The 30-day countdown to close the emergency shelter would start when the state enters into Phase 3. If this does not happen before July, the shelter would have to apply for an extension of the ordinance from the city of Kalispell to stay open.

In addition to support from the partnering agencies, the shelter had received donations from across the Flathead to fully fund the operation. More than $80,000 has been donated by individuals and foundations. This philanthropic support allows the shelter to have direct care staff to supervise guests. The staff has been helping connect guests with addiction services, haircuts, activities and essential services.

More information about the Flathead Emergency COVID-19 Emergency Shelter Collaborative can be found at their website www.flatheadcovid19emergencysheltercollaborative.org or by contacting the Samaritan House at 406-257-5284.