Three Grand Ladies and an Opie

Recently by invitation I dropped by KMHC for a brief chat with a female tenant friend we talked about our good health and a possible job opportunity in the future. At the end of our conversation I was about to leave when a second tenant friend Bernadeene came out to drop off clothes for the needy and when she was done we started to chat, the conversation was deep and serious regarding family issues. Soon after former security tenant Brenda B.came out with a cheerful greeting. I have to say my conversation with the ladies were enjoyable, no drama or gossip. :)

As fate would have it, Bernadeene and I were in mid conversation when Aunt Opie aka Joan Frame exits the building. She still looks like a bag lady who's now gained 30 lbs.

I haven't had a conversation with Aunt Opie/Joan Frame in nearly 5 years and I don't intend to start now. Wouldn't you know it as soon as she saw me she hovers around us pretending to look in her purse while listening to our conversation. I knew what she was was up to and we continued to ignore her.

The visit to KMHC was a success and who knows I may do it again. I also met up with tenant Peter Issac while downtown. Cheers brother. :)

Tenant Peter being interviewed by CHCH

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

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