Hamilton Indigenous Housing

The Christmas season is a joyful time for me, I go all out with a bright Christmas window light display for the tenants and neighbours to admire and a well decorated Christmas tree sits in my living room area. Every year an invitation from the KMHC office is posted on the general bulletin board for tenants to write down a 5 item Christmas wish list and submit it to the office then we’d get everything on our list on Christmas Eve. Trying to think up a wishlist for 2014 I came up with: 1. White sport socks 2. Small coffee maker 3. Black tee-shirts (M) 4. Toiletries 5. Hair conditioner and that was it.   Usually on Christmas Eve morning the happy staff can be seen bringing gifts in a loaded shopping cart through the main entrance then later distributed throughout the building to the tenants. This year it was different on Christmas Eve I saw an elderly gentleman in a blue Areo car unloading and delivering a small amount of gifts to HOW Lynda Jones while she stood at...

On Wednesday I received an important letter in the mail and I wanted to share it with UNH’s via staff member H.O.W. Christine Demik.   I feel comfortable talking to her so far Christine has been helpful, courteous and professional when I have a question or an issue in regard to KMHC.   Last Friday afternoon I called the office and H.O.W. Lynda Jones answered the phone. When I asked for Christine she replied in a nasty tone “ she’s not here! ”…..then there was silence.   So I asked Lynda will she be in on Monday. Lynda was pushing for the reason I called but I didn’t want to talk to her and ended the call.   This morning Christine returned my call so I asked if we can have a short meeting in the community room.   I figure since there’s a tenant surveillance camera in the community room it would be an excellent neutral area to talk. 10 minutes later I walked in the community room Christine was already there and said she’ll be right back, when she returned H.O....

It’s that time of the year again where UNH’s/KMHC attempts to dazzle the tenants with a Christmas luncheon.   To me it was mediocre.   For others they couldn’t wait to leave after lunch.   Here’s my suggestion for next year turn on a computer or laptop, go to youtube.com and find some Christmas music to play during the feast.  This would set the tone and mood for the holiday season. Let’s have some holiday cheer by poking fun at a few staff members.  The UNH’s Director showed up fashionably late, she ate, then loaded two take out plates of food for the road.   Really Janis!   How do you expect to maintain your girlish figure?    I like the guy under the Santa Claus suit he’s not afraid to invite anybody to sit on his knee I thought tenant David was going to spend the afternoon sitting there. But you know Santa doesn’t always get his way he invited tenant Donna to sit on his knee and she politely declined and said “I’ll just stand here ...

This afternoon while walking toward the building I met my neighbour Sue. She was talking about her health aliments as we entered the building so I offered a sympathetic ear.  Suddenly as we were walking down a flight of stairs she tripped and fell forward I tried to catch her but her weight knocked me off balance and we both fell to the floor. I was ok, no scrapes or scratches but Sue didn’t look good she was crying in pain her knees hurt and was lying on her side at the bottom of the stairs. I immediately got up and thought of calling the building security tenant but Sue said no instead she asked me to summon her friend who was waiting outside at her car.   Sue’s friend and I helped her slowly to her feet and eventually Sue recovered from the fall.   I offered to help carry Sue’s groceries from the car and told her to rest and not worry about it.   It was a scary moment for all of us.   Sue will probably be sore for a while and I hope she’ll recover soon. ...

After a busy night at the Festival For the first time since 2009 KMHC tenants were invited to UNH’s Children Christmas Party held at Festival Banquet Centre and I signed up for the event.   For many years I worked at the Festival and have fond memories of the building and the people I worked with at the time.   The owner and boss Albert Finnen and I got along great and we still greet each other when our paths cross.   Weddings, Christmas events, and birthdays we handled them all. It can get very chaotic and I knew better not to go in the kitchen during food preparation and serving time. My job description varied from concierge, doorman/bouncer by greeting the guests as they entered the front entrance, helped with directions, patrol and ensure building security and safety for all guests.  I came up with the idea to wear a tuxedo while at work and the boss approved.   Because Albert managed the kitchen full time I kept things running smoothly in front of the...

Some years ago when I attended my first tenant meeting @ KMHC I sat quietly and listened to what’s going on.   At the end of the meeting I complimented the staff.   Then I got a warning from a veteran tenant “You haven’t been here long enough, just wait for the next meetings.”   Sure enough he was correct. later I noticed a negative pattern developing at tenant meetings, the staff ignored tenant opinions and suggestions and were basically getting the brush off.   Being treated like children doesn’t go well with tenant Native Elders. Listening to staff quoting petty rules and regulations were boring and tiresome especially when it had nothing to do with me. I’m not interested in hearing who’s not paying the rent on time or who’s not taking the trash out correctly. I felt these issues should be addressed to the tenant directly and privately. Like one tenant said “Same old shit every meeting, nothing changes”.   Back when Ingrid Nosel was an outreach worker w...

For many moons I never got involved with local community events I’d stick to my own interests and hang out with my circle of friends.   Then some time ago my neighbour little Debbie suggested I might be interested in joining the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of Hamilton their meetings are held at the City Hall. Being active on social media and the author of Hamilton Native Housing/Urban City Living I thought this might be right up my alley.   Debbie and I talked for awhile about the idea so I decided to attend one of their meetings to see if I have anything to contribute toward aboriginal issues.   The committee members were welcoming and didn't mind me sitting in their discussion. It was a good learning experience. Jennifer, a guest speaker & Lorraine This summer I was invited to attend a local multicultural community group again I was apprehensive but I assured Lorraine Brown I would show up and I’m glad I did.   I’ve met people from other housing commun...

For the past few years the UNH's/KMHC staff has denied the building cameras are used for tenant surveillance, but now I have proof in writing that KMHC do use the building cameras to watch and record tenants 24/7 and I totally disapprove of this intrusive practice. I received an N5 eviction notice under my door this afternoon by sleazy paralegal Dale Skvereckas.   The staff aka HSC Ingrid claim one late evening in early October 2014 "posting a specific time and date" I covered one of three cameras with my hand which is mounted high on the wall next to the front entrance then I opened the door for my guest and proceeded to my unit.   Then three weeks ago around 9 pm I went to visit a neighbour next to the community room and according to the claim I stood behind the camera view which is mounted on the ceiling, it shook and went black for a few moments then came back on. There are many interior blind spots in this building, this happens when UNH's hired an non pro...

On July 28, 2014 I received a Notice Of Annual Income Review signed by HOW Christine Demick requesting information and documents for rent calculation. Being meticulous I had the entire necessary paperwork ready within a few days and I handed it in.   I figure it would take a few weeks for her to calculate and verify all personal information then we’d have a short meeting, sign the lease and share a happy dance at the next tenant meeting.  :). But noooo that’s not how it went.   At the end of August I asked Christine what’s going on with the rent review she replied they’re still working on it.   This went on for the weeks of Sept and Oct.  I’d call Christine almost every week for an update and got different excuses every time ie: “It’s still on my desk and haven’t got to it” or “It’s at head office” or “Talk to HOW Lynda Jones she’s working on it” etc.  At this point I’m getting agitated with the KMHC staff my lease expires Nov 1, 2014.   Finally la...

Some have asked me where is the KMHC Thanksgiving review!   So here it is Folks:   The week prior to Thanksgiving day a notice was posted on the bulletin board “Thanksgiving dinner @ 11:30 am” right off the bat I thought who eats dinner at that hour it should have been titled “Thanksgiving luncheon @ 11:30 am”   As you can tell the girls in the KMHC office were working overtime brainstorming. :D Anyway I decided to show up, one of many things I noticed the community room is not big enough to hold the amount of people that were invited.  UNH’s staff, a few strangers, tenants from another housing complex and our own KMHC tenants in a small room. People were bumping into each other trying to move about in fact there were less tenants at the dinner. Wheelchair accessibility is limited in the community room.   I found out later some tenants felt intimidated entering a room filled with strangers and no place to sit so they left.   Amusing and awkward moment...

Last week tenants were delivered a permission form from KMHC to allow staff to take photographs of tenants during programs and events.   In black magic marker I wrote "No"  across the page and cheerfully returned the letter to the empty office.   The reason being: years ago at a luncheon held in the community room I noticed the staff walking about the room taking photos of tenants without asking permission. Some tenants didn’t like it so I curiously leaned over to ask Janis Lewis the UNH’s Director “why and what do they do with the photos?”   She vaguely replied we make a collage.   I didn’t go any further on the subject but it did make me suspicious, if so where is this collage displayed and who sees it, certainly not in the community room. :P   With the recent installation of security cameras used for tenant surveillance in the KMHC building hallways, grounds and the community room, the last thing I want is to pose for a photo op.   Anyway KMHC staff...

Last week tenants were delivered a permission form from KMHC to allow staff to take photographs of tenants during programs and events.   In black magic marker I wrote "No"  across the page and cheerfully returned the letter to the empty office.   The reason being: years ago at a luncheon held in the community room I noticed the staff walking about the room taking photos of tenants without asking permission. Some tenants didn’t like it so I curiously leaned over to ask Janis Lewis the UNH’s Director “why and what do they do with the photos?”   She vaguely replied we make a collage.   I didn’t go any further on the subject but it did make me suspicious, if so where is this collage displayed and who sees it, certainly not in the community room. :P   With the recent installation of security cameras used for tenant surveillance in the KMHC building hallways, grounds and the community room, the last thing I want is to pose for a photo op.   Anyway KMHC staf...

Hello readers, here’s what been happening since my last post.   Late one night I was taking out the trash and I noticed a lady in a wheelchair in front of our main entrance. She’s staying at Dunduran Place Nursing home across the street recovering from surgery and she was upset. The lady explained there’s no staff about and she’s lock out of the building.   I don’t like seeing a woman cry so I offered to help by wheeling her to the building and I’ll try to get night staff to open the door for her.   Mission accomplished the lady was grateful and safe in the building.   I was just glad it wasn’t the middle of winter when I found her.  Recently tenant Dean was going about bragging to other tenants he called the cops on me.   Last week a H.R. police officer knocked on my door while I was in the shower, I told him to wait while I dry off then I invited him in. I asked what this is all about. Apparently Dean made a complaint to the police dept I’m harassing hi...

The hot summer weather brings out the party hound in people and the KMHC tenants are no exception. The trick here is to know when it’s “Last Call For Alcohol"  Last night around 9.30 pm a ruckus broke out between my neighbour and his guest in the hallway, at the time I was entering the building when I heard all the commotion.   I wasn’t afraid I’m use to seeing shit like this when I worked at a wedding banquet hall as head of security.   The tenant’s guest was passed out on the floor near the elevator so I tried to wake him up and possibly escort him out of the building. I could barely see him breathing so I checked for a pulse.   The guest was totally out of it and dead weight plus to top it off as I stood near him figuring out what to do next he pissed himself.  I’m not talking a little pee but a fountain. He wet his jeans and tee shirt and made a puddle on the floor that’s when I thought “fuck it!   I’m not touching him this is a job for the HSC Ingrid...

After being railroaded at the June 5, 2014 tenant meeting I decided not to attend the next meeting that was scheduled for August 14, 2014.   After talking with my fellow tenants who did attend the meeting it's apparent UNH’s was in damage control mode and trying to cover their ass.  I got the scoops but I’m not going to post the contents of the meeting since I wasn’t there I have a story to share:   A few days ago the guys and I (tenants) got together in the courtyard and we talked about the lack of programs that are offered to the men.   After we shared our opinions and ideas we decided as a group to attend the Traditional Teachings program held this afternoon at the community room.  Finally I can compliment KMHC for a program that all tenants can enjoy.  :) First the program started off with a Native smudge ceremony then listening to Native Elder and teacher Peter Issacs talk about Native drumming and songs was interesting and inspirational.  E...

August 1, 2014 I signed up at the KMHC office to go on a tour of the Hamilton Bayfront area.   H.O.W. Lynda Jones gave us two taxi slips and $5 bucks each to cover the cost of the ride and I asked her to call us a taxi.  Three tenants went, Shirley, Peter and I.   For years I wouldn’t go on the trolly tour because I thought it would be boring and it looks like a kiddie ride.   Well folks as the saying goes “Better late then never”.   When we arrived at the pier the taxi driver was pissed off because H.O.W. Lynda Jones failed to mention to the dispatcher payment will be a taxi slip, not cash.   That was quite embarrassing and soon it was sorted out.  The Trolly train was full so we waited for the next one this gave me time to buy an ice cream cone, sit down and have a conversation with Peter.   He’s a true story teller he enjoys talking about his life and he seems like a genuine person.   Shirley....Gawd!   What can I say about her except...

So far it’s been a good summer I don’t listen or get involved with the tenant gossip mongers and I go about my own business.  There was a time when the H.O.W.’s would interact with the tenants but no more. During the day the office staff would barricade themselves in the back of the basement office.   Many times in the hallway H.O.W. Lynda Jones would walk by me and she’d have her nose in the air.   Great way to build a rapport with tenants Lynda. :P    I like the UNH’s maintenance staff they take the time to say hello and chat for a few minutes then it’s back to work.   These guys are the backbone of UNH’s, not the pencil pushers in the KMHC office. Bad Apple tenant Dean King, I haven’t spoke one word to this guy since our blow out last year yet he keeps mouthing off whenever our paths cross at the KMHC entrance door and the courtyard.  Message to Dean King: time to get on with your life and stop acting like a jilted woman. I have no desire to be ...

On Monday after the office closed for the day I received a phone call @ 5:30 pm from the UNH’s maintenance guy (I’ll call him Dr. Phil) he misplaced his expensive walkie-talkie and asked if I could check the courtyard, I replied no problem.   As I checked there were a few strangers sitting on the bench so I asked if they seen a walkie-talkie!   The man said he found it and turned it in to the police station. I went to the C.S. explained the situation to the front desk officer and they gave me the device.   I called Dr. Phil later that evening, he was relieved it was found and I gave it to him the next day.  UNH's would have charged him $1,000 to replace it.  See folks!  I’m always willing to go the extra mile to help others even the UNH’s staff.   :) Last week there was a bulletin board posting for tenants to check out a program in the community room hosted by two McMaster University students. We were misinformed by the office staff, I thought it ...

Yesterday morning there was a tenant meeting scheduled for 10 30 am.   Walking in the room to my surprise there was a presentation going on by the CFS.   It was a sleezy tactic by the HSC to get the tenants to the presentation by not telling us in advance. The tenants were expecting a tenant meeting, not some woman going on & on about household clutter.   When the CFS presentation was over KMHC staff began the tenant meeting.   The worse speech from the HSC Ingrid Nosel was about to begin.  She went on about tenants being respectful to others and the staff which I agree with. Then I reminded her about her verbal outbursts and her bad attitude towards tenants which also has to stop.  Respect goes both ways Ingrid.   Tenant Judy who has a physical disability had a concern about emergencies in the unit.  Ingrid’s response was “We can’t help you, you have to make your own arrangements” I immediately said to Judy “Don’t worry we tenants can b...

Two interesting topics today so I’ll start with the Red Cross. Earlier this afternoon there was a presentation in the community room hosted by The Canadian Red Cross. The presenter was a charismatic gentleman with a great sense of humor. He gave us insightful information and good tips on emergency procedures in the home. As I walked in the community room I immediately noticed there were more UNH’s staff then tenants at the presentation. (3 tenants)   Note to KMHC – The only solution is to uninstall and remove the security camera in the community room, only then will tenants feel comfortable to attend your programs.    During the presentation one unknown female visitor was yawning probably from boredom.   The HSC Ingrid was sitting at a back chair totally surprised when I walked in, ten minutes later during the presentation she got up and walked out. When she came back she stood by the doorway blocking the entrance with her girth.   At the end we thanked The ...

Yesterday our neighbours the H.P.S. held an outdoor Open House event in the parking lot across from the C.S.   I was surprised what was on display, armored vehicles, cruisers, motorcycles, the marine and canine units, information booths, fire trucks and plenty of friendly police officers. Many visitors showed up especially children.   Free food and give-a-ways were offered to all.   I didn’t have time to hang around long but I did see Hamilton journalist/reporter Joey Coleman taping the event. As I walked from the KMHC building I noticed a few Native Elders sitting in the courtyard so I stopped by to say hello and to get an update on what’s happening across the street.  It was good to see tenant and native Elder Howie and the rest of the guys sitting outside enjoying the weather.   Just as I was about the leave the courtyard Hamilton Mayor Bob Bratina walked by and Howie flagged him down. The Mayor and his wife came over and said hello. I had a nice little chat ...

A few days ago installation was completed, we now have two more security cameras in front of the KMHC building entrance which has made tenants feel uneasy.   I knew this was coming a few months ago when I saw the HSC Ingrid standing outside giving the installer instructions on where she wants the cameras to face.  The angle of the cameras is peculiar facing the north and south sidewalk and the mailboxes.   I disapprove for two reasons ie: In good weather a majority of tenants like to stand outside with their friends/visitors or other tenants to have a private conversation and to socialize.   Now the KMHC staff can watch and record all this. The other camera that’s facing the mailboxes I’m sure that’s illegal, the KMHC staff can see and record what mail is being delivered to which tenant.   Make no mistake this is exactly what they are doing.   We’ve had a few incidences of vandalism but nothing that can’t be replaced or repaired.   I’m going to assume ...

Today KMHC tenants received a general unsigned notice warning tenants of harassment to UNH’s workers.   I have no idea why the note was slipped under my door, t he main issue seems to be phone calls to the office filled with profanity and verbal abuse to the office staff.  UNH’s claim they provide safe housing and supportive services.   If this is true then why would they be getting irate phone calls from tenants.   The truth here folks UNH’s doesn't like confrontation or complaints from tenants. In order to suppress native elders they use intimidation and fear by threatening to call the cops or file an N5 eviction notice or excluding them from programs.  What UNH’s is doing is covering their ass due to the previous screw ups in the building and the tenants are fed up. For example:  What if a tenant has a complaint about transportation services or has an issue in regard to their tenancy or the office worker is slow in response to a tenant inquiry!...

Late yesterday afternoon UNH’s held a Easter Dinner in the community room hosted by the KMHC staff, I have to admit I had a good time. Earlier in the day I made a special trip to the local bakery and picked up a dozen dinner rolls for the event. The KMHC staff gave exceptional service.   It’s not everyday one gets to see H.O.W. probie Christine and receptionist Sharon wearing an apron serving food with a smile. The HSC was also stationed at the buffet table serving turkey dressing.   To make the best of an awkward moment as I passed her I said ‘I’m ok’ and moved on to the other foods. Tenants Sue, Dave, Judy, KMHC staff member Deb and her daughter Naomi sat at our table. Dinner conversation ranged from sharing life experiences, classic rock music, education and guessing the age of those sitting at our table.   LOL I invited Luke the cleaner to sit with us but I think he felt more comfortable sitting in a back chair. Never the less I said to him ‘I’m glad you joined us...

This afternoon a copy of the last tenant meeting minutes report from February 4, 2014 was slipped under my door and “twisted truth” was typed in the report.   This is how the fearful and unstable HSC labeled my blogs.   I quickly scanned through the report then immediately returned it to the KMHC receptionist.  I said to Sharon “I’m returning this, I’m not interested in reading fiction.” and I left.   :P On Friday we received a “24 hour entry notice” and guess what it’s about this time!   The maintenance crew are to come in our units and clean the window blinds.   I immediately thought this is not a maintenance issue, this is housekeeping.   Years ago when the former Superintendent was doing her annual inspection I asked about the window blinds.   She replied, it’s the tenants’ responsibility to keep the windows and blinds clean and dust free and gave me some cleaning tips.   Since I’m a fanatic about cleanliness I had no problem with doi...

I didn’t mention this here but I did on Facebook   Three weeks ago I decided to join a journalism workshop to improve my writing skills and to learn the technique in writing a good story.   I’m glad to announce I successfully completed the workshop. I have to give credit to former UNH’s outreach worker Lorraine Brown for giving me the encouragement and inspiration to pursue this. I have a story to share with the blog readers: a few years ago Lorraine was on her smoke brake sitting in front of the KMHC building so I decided to ask her opinion in regard to my Native Housing blogs and I still remember her words. "Tony you have a skill in writing don’t waste it on this place (she was referring to KMHC) focus your writing on bigger, brighter and more interesting things".   At the time I wasn’t sure if she was trying to steer me away from writing about KMHC or was she really concerned about me.   Last summer when I saw her @ Jackson Square mall we had a nice chat, in t...

Last week tenants were invited to an informal gathering in the community room to offer any program ideas in hope of spicing up this place.   New staff member Brad LaBarron was the host he seems relaxed and a down to earth friendly person. I expressed my thoughts and ideas and so did other tenants.   As a group I like when tenants are not afraid to speak up and share their ideas and opinions. The meeting went well until HOW stout shaped Lynda Jones got irritated when tenant Linda expressed her thoughts.   Tenant Linda is an outspoken woman, I like her she's a hoot when she gets on a roll nobody can stop her. :) Brad wrote down the list of ideas from the tenants and hopefully a few will become reality.   I thought “Good luck in regard to obtaining funds from UNH’s for programs, it’s like French kissing a moose….it’s a big challenge but not impossible". LOL  :D Friday afternoon I received a "notice to enter apt” from probie HOW Christine Demik.   They ar...

On Saturday Feb 22/14 @ 12:55 pm I came home from Shoppers Drug Mart. As I approached the front entrance door tenant and former friend Dean K was coming out, he looked angry and came towards me in attempt to elbow me in the ribs or to give a heavy shoulder block. Since I saw him coming I quickly responded by moving out of the way and he didn’t connect.  The way he stumbled forward I thought he was drunk, he was shouting obscenities which I choose to ignore and proceeded into the building.   I know this was caught on security tape.   There is something seriously wrong with Dean, few times he’d see me in the mall or in the downtown area he doesn’t come near me or bug me but in the KMHC building he thinks he can harass tenants   In the past I’ve put up with his snide and rude remarks in the hallway and now he’s trying to get physical again.   The KMHC office is totally useless in these matters. If required I’ll use this post as an incident report for the police....

Scanning through my previous blogs and in effort not to be repetitive. For the next while I'll be using the comment section for writing any updates and follow ups.  I invite the readers to scroll down the list of posts and check the comments.  Has UNH's improved KMHC.......the jury is still out and hasn't made their decision. :P tk

The other day while watching HSC Ingrid’s attempt to get herself out of a snow bank and looking quite ridiculous at it. I thought, I’ll bet she’ll have problems on the road and sure enough she did.   Getting stuck in the snow twice then finally gave up, abandoned her vehicle and walked home. Don’t worry she had a heavy set companion with her so she wasn’t alone. Continuing on from the last tenant meeting, when a fellow tenant asked HSC Ingrid about the security camera in the community room here’s what happened next:   Ingrid turns around from her chair, looks around the room and said “Where’s the camera, I don’t see one!”  I thought what a buffoon.  The woman couldn’t act her way out of a wet paper bag. She was in the room when the camera was installed months ago. :D HSC Ingrid Nosel violated the agreement we made last year, advised by PC Terry Oliver we are not to speak to each other directly.  Standing near my fellow tenant and trying to listen to her spe...

It was a small turnout only eight tenants showed up at the meeting, but I have to admit some interesting concerns came from my fellow tenants. One was why the heating system broke down and what's being done so it won't happen again & why is there so many cameras’ in the building.   Since the camera issue was brought up I had a question of my own. In a calm manner I said there are times when I walk by the office I’d notice a staff member sitting and watching the security monitor in Ingrid's office during the day “what are they looking for?”   This surprised them totally H.O.W. Lynda Jones tried to cover it up by saying it’s none of my concern.   Nice try Lynda. BUSTED!   A red flag just went up.  Ingrid the HSC really put her foot in her mouth this time when she said "I don't have security monitors in my office", the office staff didn't say a word.  It's what I've been saying all along readers.  The HSC is a liar and has the nerve to do it in fr...

Urban Native Homes Inc. go about like the KMHC building is flawless and nothing goes wrong at this place.   News Flash!   When the Polar Vortex hit southern Ontario the KMHC staff wasn’t prepared for what happened next. For many days there was no heat in the upper floor units, mostly the elders and those with physical disabilities are located on these floors. Fortunate for me and my neighbors we’re located in the lower level and have our own heating system. During the no heat situation the following Monday KMHC office was closed due to the frigid cold weather.  It’s a poor excuse, all staff have vehicles if they were paid by the hour I’m sure they would show up regardless of weather conditions.   I applaud Luke Johns his job title may be the building cleaner but this young man actually cares about the tenants. During the emergency I met him in the hallway and he asked if my heating system is working. A few days ago we had the annual unit inspection, mine was sch...