New Samaritan House Director Renews Focus on Homeless Shelter Expansion

Cassidy Kipp takes over as executive director, aims to strengthen community partnerships and programming.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:10pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of people entering and exiting a homeless shelter, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a sense of community and compassion.The Samaritan House's welcoming atmosphere and focus on holistic support aims to guide homeless individuals towards stability and independence.Kalispell Today

Cassidy Kipp, the new executive director of the Samaritan House homeless shelter in Kalispell, Montana, is renewing the organization's focus on a $16.9 million expansion project and strengthening community partnerships to better serve the area's homeless population. Kipp, who previously worked at a local social service nonprofit, is inheriting the task of guiding the shelter through the ongoing construction and programming changes.

Why it matters

The Samaritan House plays a critical role in providing housing, case management, and other support services to the homeless community in the Flathead Valley. Kipp's leadership comes at a pivotal time as the shelter navigates a major expansion and works to address persistent challenges like affordable housing shortages and lack of mental health resources in the region.

The details

The Samaritan House's 'Building Stability' expansion project, which broke ground in 2024, includes plans for 18 new permanent affordable apartments, a community center, and an updated emergency shelter. While the first phase of construction is underway, Kipp says the details of the full project are still being evaluated due to funding uncertainties. In addition to the expansion, Kipp is focused on strengthening the shelter's programming, including case management, veteran services, and transitional housing to help clients transition to permanent homes.

  • Kipp started her new role as Samaritan House executive director last month, taking over for former director Chris Krager who led the shelter for 25 years.
  • The 'Building Stability' expansion project broke ground in 2024 following three years of planning.
  • The first phase of construction, which includes 18 new permanent affordable apartments, is currently underway with the foundation set and crews preparing to 'go vertical' soon.

The players

Cassidy Kipp

The new executive director of the Samaritan House homeless shelter in Kalispell, Montana. Kipp previously worked for over 16 years at the Community Action Partnership of Northwestern Montana, a social service nonprofit providing housing resources and support.

Chris Krager

The former executive director of the Samaritan House who led the nonprofit homeless shelter for 25 years before being removed by the board of directors.

Samaritan House

A nonprofit homeless shelter located in Kalispell, Montana that provides housing, case management, and other support services to the local homeless population.

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What they’re saying

“We do a lot with veterans, we do a lot with populations that have been marginalized for a long time. We want to make sure that we're providing a space where you're enhancing somebody's commitment to their surroundings and helping build strong, good tenants that are ready to go out there into the rental market after they've received services here.”

— Cassidy Kipp, Executive Director, Samaritan House

“It really is a testament to the strength of our case management team, which focuses on the whole person and addressing their physical needs, their employment needs and just really taking into consideration all of those aspects. But more than that, it's just really building those connections so that folks know where to go when they have questions.”

— Cassidy Kipp, Executive Director, Samaritan House

What’s next

The Samaritan House will host its 19th annual Cowboy Up Auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 11 at Snowline Acres to support the ongoing 'Building Stability' expansion project and programming.

The takeaway

Under Cassidy Kipp's leadership, the Samaritan House is renewing its focus on expanding its physical capacity and strengthening community partnerships to better serve the homeless population in the Flathead Valley, where challenges like affordable housing shortages and lack of mental health resources persist.