Merry Christmas!

Montana Homeless Person's Memorial Day is December 21st. This also happens to be the first day of winter - the longest night of the year. There will be a memorial service at noon in Helena Women's Park. Sherri Downing from the Montana Coalition for the Homeless has collected the names of Montana's friends and neighbors who have died this year while homeless. Last year, there were 28 names. The event lasts about an hour and is held outside so people can understand what some of our neighbors are trying to survive. It has been a quick start to the winter season this year. In fact, the Daily InterLake reported last week that precipitation for the year is 19.96 inches, 3.71 inches ahead of the long term average and 6.76 inches ahead of last year. I verified myself with the National Weather Service that this year has averaged 2.3 degrees colder than normal. Samaritan House staff have added beds wherever possible resulting in greater numbers of people served than we could have imagined for this year.

We are coming in to the holidays in need of your help. Charitable donations are down while demand for services are at an all-time high.

In your holiday giving would you please consider Samaritan House. Thank you.

A Home of Their Own

Kristi Albertson, a reporter for the Daily InterLake newspaper just did an article about a family that Samaritan House was recently privileged to help.

The article is called, "A Home of Their Own" and it follows this family through the shelter and on towards their move in day, the day they get a home of their own...

Rob Quist Concert & Lunch to Benefit Samaritan House

Samaritan House will be hosting Rob Quist for a lunchtime concert on Friday, December 10th, 12:00 pm (Noon). The event will be at the Samaritan House Administration Building - the former armor reserve building on Meridian Rd. The $10 admission will include lunch, all proceeds to benefit Samaritan House, the local homeless shelter.
Rob Quist, a rancher's son and native Montanan, is recognized as one of the West's best known songwriters, composers and main stage performers.
Samaritan House has been working to provide Montana hospitality to some of the community's most vulnerable citizens. The shelter is full and overflowing. Demand for services is at an all-time high due to the recent difficult economic scenario and exreme weather conditions.
Everyone is encouraged to come, have lunch and help support Samaritan House, a local homeless shelter.
Here are the details:
What: Rob Quist Concert & Lunch
When: Friday, December 10th at Noon
Where: Samaritan Hosue Admin Building
1110 2nd Street West
Kalispell, MT 59901
Cost: $10 includes lunch and concedrt
Directions: On the corner of Meridian Rd. and 2nd Street West - across the street from Peterson Elementary School.

Billy - Homeless in the Flathead

High Poverty Rates According to New Report

This week the goverment released new economic data that shows high poverty levels. The report continues to say that there are more "working poor" than there has been in decades.
Jessica Headley a reproter for KCFW (Kalispell's NBC affiliate) came to the shelter to put a local face on the economic report. The article is titled, "Flathead Valley Isn't Surprised to Hear High American Poverty Rates." Click the link there to read the article and see the video.

Flathead Parade of Homes

The Flathead Valley Parade of Homes will be September 10th - 12th. If you are considering attending you really shold buy your tickets from Alliance Title, 501 S. Main St. in Kalispell. A portion of the ticket sales will benefit Samaritan House. Alliance Title phone number is (406) 752-7606.

July 21st at Tamarack Brewing Company