Meet Our Staff

Tonya Horn

Founder & 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.

Sean Patrick O'Neill

Director of Shelter & Resource Services

  • 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.

Joel Danoy

Director of Development

  • Joel Danoy is the Director of Development leading fundraising, donor stewardship, and communications. He brings 17 years of experience helping mission-driven institutions turn community support into lasting impact.

    As Communications Coordinator for Kalispell Public Schools, Joel built the district's communications department from the ground up and served as architect of the high school levy campaign that passed for the first time in 18 years, securing roughly $2.9 million.

    Joel began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor before moving into communications and advancement for public, private, and Catholic schools. He led annual fund and advancement communications through record-setting fundraising years, including totals above $1.2 million and $7.5 million, and he launched a planned giving program.

    At the Warming Center, Joel focuses on building the fundraising and communications foundation that keeps low-barrier shelter available to neighbors in need. He is committed to the dignity of every guest and to the community trust that makes this work possible.

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.