Linda Wallage RIP

A few weeks ago I got word another KMHC tenant pioneer has suddenly passed away Linda Wallage. I decided to wait awhile to share my thoughts. Many years ago I remember when Linda took over the position as receptionist at Urban Native Homes Inc head office on Albert Street. I liked her immediately she was bubbly and friendly to us tenants who dropped by to pay the rent.

Later she became UNH director Janis Lewis-Deeley's assistant, I recall one time at Gage Park UNH's held a summer picnic for tenants. Many tenants showed up for the food but the UNH organizers didn't arrange any games or contests for the tenants to participate. As I watched from the background I can see the picnic event was sinking fast. Suddenly Linda Wallage got up and shouts encouragement to tenants to play kick the ball and came up with other games. Months later I gave her a compliment on how she saved the picnic she replied 'I had to do something, it was so boring!' we both laughed. :D

Her job as the director's assistant didn't last long, I was disappointed to find out she's gone and hoped the best for her. About a year later I ran into her at a neighbourhood park, she was with her little dog I asked how are things she replied she's hoping to be called back to UNH but it never happened. Not long after I heard she moved into the KMHC building. I was glad to see her and we exchanged greetings whenever we met in the hallway or at the entrance door. She and her boyfriend were a nice looking couple who drank a lot then soon after their relationship ended.

I think the ending of the relationship broke her spirit, it was during this time she was really hitting the bottle and started to look disheveled. Hanging out with aunt Opie/Joan Frame and her KMHC drunk buddies didn't help. I don't drink so Linda and I didn't hang out, yet we would wave at each other as I cycled along King Street and would see her outside of Jabronie's Bar having a smoke.

RIP Linda.

Comments

Poor Working Environment

My unit is located near the KMHC office, along with a friendly wave or hello I see the junior staff going about their business in a cheerful manner with the exception of one employee. You would think KMHC has a pleasant working environment but that is not the case. March 2016 is when Urban Native Homes head office was forced to move from their former spacious location to the cramp basement level of KMHC. There were approx. 8-10 staff members at the time. Then the Urban Native Homes financial scandal broke out and soon after the current UNH acting director’s illicit past became public knowledge, everyone was worried will they have a job. Fearful meetings going on in the community room, the rumor mill was in full rotation while I just stood back and observed the panic. Check your search engine it states this building location is Urban Native Homes head office yet that is not correct. There is no real head office, the organization has s...

Koo Gaa Da Win Manitou

I hope one day we can truly say there is a haven where older natives who experienced homelessness can find a place to call home and have the resources available for the best quality of life in their golden years. Koo Ga Da Win Manitou Housing Complex has a long journey in order to reach that goal. Perhaps more funding is needed or better trained/experienced outreach workers who can relate to tenants concerns and health issues. Programs that would interest all tenants as a whole would be nice. Most important we tenants must try to get along with their neighbours. (as the good book says "Love thy neighbour") I've been here less then a year and I've observed alot, we have a diversity of tenants living in the building from different reservations and walks of life. Some have problems with alcohol, prescription drug addictions, physical disabilities and slight mental disabilities. The one thing we all have in common is our health concerns, from chronic back pain to deadly...

The Ladies of KMHC

I & friend Teresa Last week I attended a program host by NWC Hamilton, it was there I met up with six female tenants of KMHC. It was nice to see the ladies again I was greeted with hugs and smiles. The program was Holistic teachings by Jane Burning she spoke about the Creator and positive thinking. I enjoyed the presentation though it was a wee bit long. During lunch break I had the chance to chat with the KMHC tenants to find out how’s life going at KMHC. Things haven’t improved most tenants don’t like each other and there’s a lot of negative energy in the building. I offered a sympathetic ear and didn’t judge as they shared their stories. The big problem with KMHC is tenant Aunt Opie and I’m glad she didn’t attend the NWC program. You may recall I spoke of her in past blogs, aunt Opie’s negativity spreads throughout KMHC. She brags about sending false complaint e-mails about tenants and staff to Justin the head direc...

Hamilton Indigenous Housing

Search This Blog