Conversations foster community engagement

On Friday, Oct. 10, the Flathead Warming Center joined 75 other faith-based shelters across the nation in observing World Homeless Day through a unique initiative: Conversations on a Bench. From 1 p.m. Thursday to 1 p.m. Friday, Executive Director Tonya Horn sat outside the Flathead Warming Center for 24 straight hours, engaging in meaningful dialogue with 51 individuals committed to raising awareness about homelessness and exploring solutions for its impacts in Northwest Montana.

Participants included pastors, candidates for elected office, first responders, individuals currently experiencing homelessness, formerly homeless individuals, addiction and recovery specialists, mental health providers, educators, radio personalities and other community members who care deeply about this topic.