Hamilton Indigenous Housing

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...