Meet Our Team

Tonya Horn

Founder and Executive Director

  • Tonya Horn is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Flathead Warming Center, bringing over two decades of social work experience to her leadership. With more than 10 years dedicated to working directly with adults facing severe and disabling mental illness, Tonya deeply understands the urgent need for low-barrier shelter in the Flathead Valley.

    Her approach is rooted in compassion and realism: “A person who is sleeping in the snow likely won't survive and can't get out of homelessness alone,” she says. Tonya believes that when we welcome our unhoused neighbors into warmth, structure, and safety, we create a ripple effect—making the entire community safer and stronger.

    For Tonya, it all starts with relationships. Her vision and advocacy continue to shape the Warming Center’s mission to serve not just individuals in crisis, but the wellbeing of the whole community.

Britta Sago

Resource Navigator

  • Britta Sago is the Resource Navigator at the Flathead Warming Center. She has a Bachelors in social work, and experience in crisis intervention and suicide prevention. She works with guests to develop an individualized Roadmap to a better situation. Britta brings her passion for social justice and promoting the inherent dignity and worth of all persons to her work with our unhoused neighbors.

Sean Patrick O'Neill

Resource Manager

  • Sean Patrick O'Neill serves as the Resource Manager at Flathead Warming Center, where he leads efforts to connect guests with vital services, supplies, and pathways toward stability. With over a decade of experience in housing and human services, Sean brings both strategic insight and heartfelt dedication to his role.

    Prior to joining FWC, Sean spent seven years as Housing Program Director at a local agency, where he championed access to housing across Northwest Montana. He currently leads our community's Coordinated Entry System and Collaborative Housing Solutions of Northwest Montana, streamlining support for individuals and families facing homelessness. His earlier work as a case manager in mental health and developmental disabilities laid the foundation for his holistic, person-centered approach.

    Sean’s commitment to equity, collaboration, and community care makes him an indispensable part of FWC’s mission to restore dignity and foster long-term solutions for those in crisis. As the FWC Resource Manager, Sean oversees essential services and coordinates resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness. With a strong commitment to equity and community care, Sean works to ensure that every guest has access to the support, supplies, and opportunities they need to move forward. His collaborative approach and dedication make him a vital part of the shelter’s mission to restore dignity and foster long-term stability for those in crisis.

Kyle Heinecke

Marketing and Development Director

  • Kyle Heinecke, Marketing and Development Director. Kyle steps into the position with a plethora of experience in marketing and development within homeless services, as well as in for-profit business. Kyle is a husband, father of four, and devoted follower of Jesus. His life is centered around helping people find hope, freedom, and purpose in Christ — whether through ministry, everyday conversations, or simply showing up in love. As a multi-generational Kalispell native, Kyle is passionate about creating a community where people feel seen, valued, and reminded that they are not alone.

    As Kyle steps into the role of Director of Development and Marketing at the Flathead Warming Center, he is committed to helping meet the needs of those facing homelessness with dignity and compassion. Through storytelling, community engagement, and strategic growth, Kyle aims to connect people and resources in a way that brings lasting hope to the most vulnerable. Whether leading in ministry, working with his hands, spending time with family, or reflecting in the quiet moments of life, Kyle strives to walk in step with God’s Spirit. Above all, Kyle’s hope is simple: to live fully, love deeply, and point people to Jesus in everything he does.

Ray Young

Program Manager

  • Ray Young brings a powerful blend of professional expertise and personal resilience to his role as Program Manager at the Flathead Warming Center (FWC). With over 13 years of experience in law enforcement, Ray serves as FWC’s dedicated Law Enforcement Liaison, fostering trust and collaboration between the center and local agencies.

    Ray’s lived experience—including over three years in recovery from opioid addiction—deeply informs his compassionate approach to building relationships with Warming Center Guests. He is a certified Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator. Ray served as a 2024 FWC Community Lead staff.

    Ray’s leadership is grounded in empathy, accountability, and a belief that every Warming Center guest can have a better life outcome. Whether Ray is having hard conversations with guests, mentoring staff, or building bridges across sectors, he is a driving force behind FWC’s mission to provide dignity, safety, and hope to those experiencing homelessness.

The Flathead Warming Center is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization, governed by our board of directors.

It is impossible for words to completely sum up the depth of character, wisdom, experience, and love that we believe God has put in place for the FWC leadership!

All Are Welcome

A Warm and Safe Place

The Flathead Warming Center is a low barrier facility.  While we are a faith-based organization there is no requirement for an individual to be like-minded nor forced to listen to our beliefs.  All are welcomed inside the shelter!  Our Christian faith gives us purpose, to love one another.