Flathead Warming Center halts operations

The Flathead Warming Center in Kalispell halted its usual services on Thursday until further notice in an effort to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

According to Tonya Horn with the warming center, it is too difficult for homeless populations at locations like the center to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus.

“Our shelter is not conducive to social distancing, so we had to make the tough decision to close immediately in order to do our part to prevent any spreading,” Horn said.

However, she said the center is hoping to provide much-needed resources for those who show up to the center’s location at the Christ Episcopal Church in Kalispell in search of the shelter’s usual warming services.

Horn is asking for the public to donate any sleeping bags or lightweight tents that can be used to keep the homeless warm instead. She said between Thursday and the end of the month, the center will be open from 4 to 8p.m. to accept such donations and supply them to “our neighbors without homes.” In addition, she said staff and volunteers will be available during these times to assess any further needs for homeless individuals.

Donations can be dropped off at the red door at Christ Church Episcopal, at 215 Third Ave. E. in Kalispell.