Amid concerns within the community about homeless individuals residing on public lands and in public structures, the city of Kalispell is considering implementing restrictions on the use of its parks. This decision comes as the Flathead Valley faces a rising population of individuals living on the streets.
Three ordinances were passed during the first reading at the Kalispell City Council on Monday night. These new regulations will make it illegal to store personal belongings at public facilities, ban the construction of structures such as tents in city parks, and establish a time limit for the usage of covered park structures, such as the gazebo at Depot Park, requiring a permit. All three proposals were approved and will undergo a second reading at the upcoming city council meeting later this month.
Last month, during a well-attended public hearing, city officials noted that they had received numerous reports of disorderly conduct, public alcohol consumption, public nudity and public urination. The city manager also shared images of fecal matter left behind in a gazebo. In response to those issues at Kalispell’s Deport Park, the city temporarily closed a gazebo there.
Monday’s meeting saw a small turnout from the public, with the majority expressing their support for the ordinances. Among them was Jamie Quinn, the executive director of the Flathead Food Bank, who had a different perspective. Quinn criticized the laws, stating that they effectively punished poverty and urged the council to broaden their focus beyond the impact on city parks and address the larger issue of homelessness in the area.
The issue has come to a head in the Kalispell area in recent weeks, especially after the Flathead County Board of Commissioners published a letter calling on the community to stop enabling the “homeless lifestyle.” The letter, which was signed by commissioners Brad Abell, Randy Brodehl and Pam Holmquist, specifically blamed the valley’s growing homeless population on the opening of a low-barrier shelter. But advocates for homeless people pushed back on the letter, saying it was “out-of-touch” and did not address a factor that many people believe is adding to the problem: skyrocketing rent and home prices.
During an interview with Montana Free Press, Brodehl justified the letter, clarifying that its intention was not to target individuals who have suffered from the housing crisis in the region, but rather to address those who exploit charitable resources and available services. The commissioners expressed their belief in the letter that the presence of a low-barrier shelter in Kalispell since 2019 has attracted homeless individuals from neighboring communities.
“I am focused on doing what is morally correct, not what is personally gratifying. While the letter may have been straightforward, our role as a government is not to cater to unproductive individuals by providing services.”
Flathead County Commissioner Randy Brodehl
Brodehl emphasized that ignoring this small group of individuals is no longer an option. He stated his commitment to doing what is morally correct rather than what is simply gratifying. The letter was forthright, highlighting the fact that our government’s purpose is not to cater to unproductive individuals by offering services.
Sheriff Brian Heino of Flathead County acknowledges that he understands both perspectives on the matter of homelessness in the valley. He recognizes the possibility that certain individuals may be drawn to the region due to the available services they can access. Additionally, he highlights the significant role played by the lack of mental health support and drug addiction services, which further exacerbates the issue.
According to him, the problem of homelessness in Kalispell is more noticeable this winter due to increased concentration of people in town. In contrast, during the rest of the year, they tend to be more scattered. He mentioned a significant rise in complaints about people camping on private property in recent years, as well as an increase in all types of calls that his deputies respond to. This is attributed to the continuous growth of Flathead’s population.
Heino is certain that the issue will not be resolved quickly.
He expressed, “This is an incredibly challenging situation. I genuinely wish I possessed all the solutions.”
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