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Kalispell’s Samaritan House aims to save homeless lives

Posted at 11:12 AM, Feb 12, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-12 13:14:33-05
The Samaritan House usually houses 65 people and their families but Executive Director Chris Krager says this winter the shelter is overflowing. (MTN News photo)

KALISPELL – The Samaritan House is providing shelter, food and clothing to those without a home in the Flathead.

During these cold days, people living on the street in tents are more susceptible to frostbite, hypothermia and heart failure.

The Samaritan House usually houses 65 people and their families but Executive Director Chris Krager says this winter the shelter is overflowing. Krager even converted his office into a space for four more beds.

Krager says folks are at the Samaritan House usually because of a financially unforeseen event or because housing is too expensive.

“The conversations we have are a little more serious because the nature of homelessness in Montana is that at certain parts of the year it could be fatal. So, we want to make sure we look out for everybody,” Krager told MTN News.

The Samaritan House provides additional tools for people to succeed after their stay. Job boards are posted throughout the building and mentors are on site to find affordable housing units for people to live in.