Chris Krager is no longer serving as executive director of the Samaritan House in Kalispell, according to a statement from the homeless shelter’s board chair Nikki Lintz.

“The decision was made after thoughtful discussion by the board and with the long-term stability and best interests of the organization in mind,” Lintz wrote in a news release Wednesday.  

Lintz declined to comment on why Krager is no longer executive director, citing personnel confidentiality. 

“We are grateful for Chris’s more than 25 years of service and commitment to those experiencing homelessness, and we wish him well as he pursues new opportunities in the community,” she wrote in the news release.  

Krager’s departure comes in the midst of the Samaritan House’s multimillion-dollar expansion that will nearly double its capacity, allowing it to serve 85 more people.  

“I am still really excited to see the project that Samaritan House is working on come to fruition, and I’m excited for their future. And at this point, I’m looking forward to serving the community in other ways as well,” Krager told the Inter Lake.  

He declined to comment on why he is no longer with the nonprofit.    

Funding for the $16.9 million expansion project hit some financial speed bumps over the spring after a $4.3 million-dollar federal grant through the Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care program was awarded and then rescinded.  

The loss created a $1.4 million dollar gap in funding that the Samaritan House is looking to fill through private donations, foundations and grants, Lintz told the Inter Lake. 

The money was intended to go toward its incoming permanent housing units. Construction broke ground mid-2025.

Having to source materials under Build America, Buy America guidelines along with increased tariffs on resources has led to unintended increased costs as well, Lintz said.  

The Build America, Buy America Act was established in 2021 and mandates the use of American-made materials in federally funded infrastructure projects. 

Despite the financial turbulence, Lintz said that the project continues to move along, and the construction timeline remains unchanged.  

As part of the expansion, the Samaritan House will see income-based two- and three-bedroom apartments, housing for homeless veterans and overflow for the shelter.  

While the board searches for a new director, Associate Directors Billy Greel and Morgan Winchester have taken over operations. 

“Homelessness continues to impact individuals and families in our community, and the mission of Samaritan House remains unchanged. Our staff and volunteers continue their steadfast work, welcoming those in need and supporting each person on their path toward stability and housing,” Lintz said in the statement.  

The shelter is gearing up for its annual Cowboy Up live auction fundraiser event in April.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].