City Council restores permit for homeless shelter and apologizes to Tanya Horn

During the recent Kalispell City Council meeting, a significant discussion centered around the conditional use permit for the local warming center, which has been a focal point in addressing the community's housing and homelessness crisis. Council members expressed their commitment to moving forward after a contentious period that included litigation and public scrutiny.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the council's apology to Tanya Horn, the executive director of the warming center, acknowledging that she was unfairly accused during the permit rescission process. The city stated, "The city does not believe Miss Horn committed perjury or lied in the warming center's conditional use permit application process." This apology aims to close a chapter on what many described as a "wasteful ordeal" that diverted attention from more pressing community issues.

Council members emphasized the importance of collaboration with nonprofit partners and residents to find effective solutions to the ongoing housing and homelessness challenges. They highlighted that the warming center will enhance its operations by formalizing practices that have been in place since its inception, including quarterly board meetings to address public concerns.

The meeting underscored a renewed commitment to addressing the community's needs through meaningful dialogue and cooperation. As the city moves forward, the focus will be on fostering partnerships that can lead to positive outcomes for those affected by housing instability. The council's actions reflect a broader goal of creating a supportive environment for vulnerable populations in Kalispell.