Hamilton Indigenous Housing

On Monday after the office closed for the day I received a phone call @ 5:30 pm from the UNH’s maintenance guy (I’ll call him Dr. Phil) he misplaced his expensive walkie-talkie and asked if I could check the courtyard, I replied no problem.   As I checked there were a few strangers sitting on the bench so I asked if they seen a walkie-talkie!   The man said he found it and turned it in to the police station. I went to the C.S. explained the situation to the front desk officer and they gave me the device.   I called Dr. Phil later that evening, he was relieved it was found and I gave it to him the next day.  UNH's would have charged him $1,000 to replace it.  See folks!  I’m always willing to go the extra mile to help others even the UNH’s staff.   :) Last week there was a bulletin board posting for tenants to check out a program in the community room hosted by two McMaster University students. We were misinformed by the office staff, I thought it ...

Yesterday morning there was a tenant meeting scheduled for 10 30 am.   Walking in the room to my surprise there was a presentation going on by the CFS.   It was a sleezy tactic by the HSC to get the tenants to the presentation by not telling us in advance. The tenants were expecting a tenant meeting, not some woman going on & on about household clutter.   When the CFS presentation was over KMHC staff began the tenant meeting.   The worse speech from the HSC Ingrid Nosel was about to begin.  She went on about tenants being respectful to others and the staff which I agree with. Then I reminded her about her verbal outbursts and her bad attitude towards tenants which also has to stop.  Respect goes both ways Ingrid.   Tenant Judy who has a physical disability had a concern about emergencies in the unit.  Ingrid’s response was “We can’t help you, you have to make your own arrangements” I immediately said to Judy “Don’t worry we tenants can b...

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...