Don’t make decisions based on misconceptions

On behalf of First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell, a congregation made up of individuals with many different political, theological and social perspectives, we believe there is nothing simple about homelessness and hold fast to Jesus’ commandment to love and serve our neighbors.

We strongly support the compassionate work of Samaritan House and the Warming Center. We recognize and appreciate their positive effects on our community in addressing homelessness. Our congregation provides financial, volunteer and prayerful support to these and other nonprofit organizations working to support the homeless proactively, in crisis and beyond.

To eliminate services to all homeless folks because of the actions of a few is inhumane, especially given the high cost and low availability of appropriate housing in our area. Add extreme weather conditions and inflation, the outcome becomes bleak for many working individuals and families who struggle to make ends meet.

We feel it’s the responsibility of county commissioners to allocate a portion of county resources to assist those in need and provide support to law enforcement to deal with anyone breaking the law or causing harm to themselves or others.

It is the responsibility of all of us to offer informed, compassionate support to those among us suffering in need of basic food, clothing, and/or shelter. As Christians, we take this responsibility seriously and will continue our actions despite the commissioners’ request.

We encourage the commissioners to take time to visit with the directors at our local shelters to learn of the multifaceted and nuanced approaches to the complicated issue of homelessness. In doing so, they’ll hear stories and witness tangible results from these compassionate efforts. Learning who among us they serve is key to dispelling misconceptions about homelessness.

We hear about the unruly and often desperate few, but the majority of homeless folks in the valley don’t advertise or make obvious their plight. Their children go to school with our children. They work among us. It’s irresponsible to make budgetary and policy decisions based on misconceptions and stereotypes.

Glenn Burfeind is pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell