To Be Determined...

The history of Montana is an amazing and fascinating tale.

There were the boom and bust cycles of the miners, ranchers, and homesteaders. We are home to Copper Kings and Railroad Barons. Lewis and Clark traversed our terrain and Crazy Horse defied an entire nation. Big sky country has always been a progressive state, allowing women to vote before much of the rest of the country and then sending the first woman, Jeannette Rankin, to the United States Congress.

Again... the treasure state has a treasured history.

As a transplanted east-coaster who has called this state home since 1996, I admire Montana's moxie. People of the 406 have strong conviction and aren't afraid to voice their opinions. There is a ferocity that demands results when dealing with issues that affect this state. We are fiercely independent and do not take our rights for granted. And, as an advocate for the homeless, I cannot think of too many other states I would want to have in our corner as Samaritan House tries to address the needs and rights of the homeless in Kalispell.

Other states have begun adopting a Homeless Bill of Rights, and while the semantics of the issue are being argued on both sides of the aisle, Montanans do not need a piece of paper to tell them how to act regarding moral issues. Here is some of the content of said Bill regarding the individual rights of the homeless:

Protection against segregation, laws targeting homeless people for their lack of housing and not their behavior, and restrictions on the use of public space.

Granted privacy and property protections.

Being allowed the opportunity to vote and feel safe in their community without fear or harassment.

Provided broad access to shelter, social services, legal counsel and quality education for the children of homeless families.

These are all issues that revolve around the fundamental idea of personal dignity. And while the history of Montana depicts battles for the rights of several people groups and cultures, the present shows that there are tireless individuals who will not rest until there is equality on all fronts, including the homeless. The future of Montana is yet to be determined but it is being written every day by the same people who have made this state great.

People like you.