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FLATHEADBEACON.COM NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2014 | 9







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Steve Daines, R-Mont., visits with Chris Krager, executive director of the Samaritan House. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
Daines Tours Samaritan House





Congressman visits tional 23 units speciically for veterans, 
Northwest Montana’s the Samaritan House is the largest ref- “WE NEED TO CONTINUE 
uge for homeless men, women and chil- 
largest homeless shelter, dren in Northwest Montana. Founded in TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS 
1991, the facilities are drug and alcohol 
meets with veterans
free and provide free residence, meals, LIKE THE SAMARITAN 
clothing and other assistance for anyone 
in need.
HOUSE THAT DELIVER 

By TRISTAN SCOTT of the Beacon
Samaritan House averages 100 per- 
cent occupancy throughout the year in SERVICES TO PEOPLE IN 
 The man called Web, a homeless vet- the shelter and transitional living units. 
eran, was surprised to see a U.S. Con- The staf also helps with housing and NEED, AND DOING IT IN A 
gressman stroll into the Samaritan employment searches and other practi- 
House’s dining room for lunch, but he cal aspects that can lead to a successful HIGHLY EFFECTIVE WAY.” 
was eager to talk about his smile.
fresh start, and Krager said in 2013 the 

“I get all new teeth in a week and a shelter had an 86 percent success rate.
Steve Daines, U.S. Rep.
half,” Web said, bearing a grin that re- In 2013, the Samaritan House served 
vealed rows of missing teeth, which will more than 1,300 local homeless people 
cost nearly $5,000 to repair.
and provided more than 34,800 meals.
The visiting statesman was U.S. Rep. Daines, the son of a Marine, thanked “We are going to feel that, but it will 
Steve Daines, R-Mont., who wanted to Web and others for their service.
work out,” Krager said. “This communi- 
visit Kalispell’s homeless shelter on a re- “We need to continue to support pro- ty is so amazing and willing to step up.”
cent tour of Northwest Montana.
grams like the Samaritan House that de- Daines pledged to represent veter- 

Samaritan House’s executive direc- liver services to people in need, and do- ans, and Krager said the biggest battle is 
tor, Chris Krager, explained that Web, ing it in a highly efective way,” Daines raising awareness.
who asked that the Beacon not disclose said.
“One of my most important roles in 
his full name, would qualify for full den- The Flathead Valley consistently has Washington is to make sure that home- 
tal insurance through a partnership the third largest homeless population in less veterans have a voice,” Daines said.
with Veterans Afairs after spending 60 the state, according to the 2014 State of A fundraiser to beneit the Samari- 
days at the shelter, a transitional hous- Homelessness Report, with nearly 800 tan House is scheduled for April 12. The 

ing facility located at 124 Ninth Ave. W.
people who faced homelessness in Ka- 7th Annual “Cowboy Up” for Samari- 
“He’s going to look great, and he de- lispell last year. Most are “episodically tan House Auction, Dinner and Con- 
serves it,” Krager said, adding that Web homeless,” meaning they’ve suddenly cert will be held on at Gardner’s Auction 
had arranged a place to live, which is the fallen on hard times without a safety net.
just south of Kalispell on U.S. Highway 
end goal of the Samaritan House.
Krager said a federal HUD grant for 93 South, with doors opening at 5 p.m. 
“When people come here they are no homeless programs that the shelter re- Tickets for the beneit are available for 
longer homeless,” Krager said. “The goal lies on was cut this year as part of the purchase at the door. A pig roast dinner 
is to keep it that way, and case manage- sequestration spending cuts, for which is included and live music will be provid- 

www.ThreeRiversBankMontana.com
ment is the integral component to that.”
Daines voted, reducing the $64,000 ed by Smart Alex.
With 65 rooms, including an addi-
grant by nearly $8,000.
[email protected]



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