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Urban Native Homes & The United Way.

Recently a gym member and I were talking about Native issues in Canada when to my surprise Urban Native Homes Inc. came up in conversation. The gym member is also a member of the United Way senior management staff. 

 The United Way was a financial supporter for Urban Native Homes Inc.for many moons. The KMHC building opened up as the first Aboriginal housing facility for seniors in Canada. I remember walking by the building on opening day and noticed local dignitaries and news media covering the story plus the United Way was there too. 

So here's the scoop readers, some years later things started looking fishy with Urban Native Homes Inc. when staff started writing up false and misleading financial statements to the United Way foundation. This activity was also going on at the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre when they were located on Main Street E.  The Director of Hamilton Regional Indian Centre at the time said to the United Way representative "It's not your money so why should you care!"  IMO That's the wrong attitude and I don't blame United Way to cease funding. 

When I was a UNH tenant I knew something was not right with management I could see it all around me which is why this blog was created and I was spot on.  Let this be a warning message to other Native housing organizations in Canada,  I know you may have a chip on your shoulder against non aboriginal organizations who offer funding, but going about filing false reports/statements and fake requisitions is not the right way. Eventually the hand will be caught in the cookie jar. 

Another story I was told when The United Way gave funds to a reservation near the location of Sioux Lookout, Ontario the money was to be used for housing, school and clothing for native children and seniors instead it was used for other purposes that couldn't be explained by the chief. 

Today Luke Johns is a former Urban Native Home staff member and now on the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre board, also he's the KMHC and Candlewood project manager. I can't help but think he was aware of the corruption going on within the Native organizations in Hamilton and turned a blind eye. I'll let my readers decide that. 

 Tk

Comments

Zebkie Housing said…
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October 14, 2022 at 5:47:00 AM EDT
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