Hamilton Indigenous Housing

 A few days ago I received word that KMHC tenant and friend Kevin White had passed away, I was shocked and sadden upon hearing the news. Kevin moved in the KMHC building after I did and we got along great. He was the nicest guy in the building, never got involved with the gossip mongers and basically kept to himself, he had his own circle of friends and family outside of KMHC.  After I moved out of the KMHC building I'd sometimes run into Kevin and his girlfriend Sharon downtown. I notice he was having mobility issues yet in his best fake Italian accent he'd shout 'Ayeee Tonee!' and I gave Kevin the nickname 'Special K' like the cereal. :D  I'd stop we'd chat for a bit, he once warned me about tenant Aunt Opie aka Joan Frame spreading rumors about me to staff and to other tenants who'd listen. I'd laugh thinking somethings never change at KMHC. :P I heard a memorial service was held in Hagersville, Ontario unfortunately I wasn't be able to...

I don't particularly like posting Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services screw ups but there is no other alternative.  Early Saturday morning a kitchen fire broke out in a native elder's unit at KMHC. The Hamilton fire dept was dispatched and soon the kitchen fire was under control. The tenant was sent to the hospital for treatment and observation and it looks like he'll be fine Here's the kicker folks! The main fire alarm has to be reset from the main control panel and no OAHS employee were available to do so. The building has a unique fire alarm system I lived there for years and I know what I'm saying. When the alarm goes off fire sirens can be heard in the hallways and in each unit. A tenant cannot turn the siren sound off in their unit. They can mute it for 5 min then it comes back on. And trust me the siren volume is worthy of a major headache. Tenants had to endure the fire alarm siren for nearly 5 hours. Imagine that!  These are native elders and nobody gives a...

 Last week I received an invitation to attend a pot luck luncheon at KMHC which I gladly accepted. It's been almost four years since I moved out of the building, First thing I noticed the hallways are not as bright as before, the paint color is too dark.  Anyway it was nice to sit down and chat with the native elders of KMHC. The hostess made everybody feel comfortable and welcome and the food! Oh My Gosh!  That's what I missed about KMHC. :) Conversation was light and cheerful, no mud slinging or gossip today. I had fun and when it was time to say goodbye the hostess invited me to take some food home. A doggie bag if you will.  What a great way to end the holidays and start the New Year 2023.  :)