Hamilton Indigenous Housing

The hot summer weather brings out the party hound in people and the KMHC tenants are no exception. The trick here is to know when it’s “Last Call For Alcohol"  Last night around 9.30 pm a ruckus broke out between my neighbour and his guest in the hallway, at the time I was entering the building when I heard all the commotion.   I wasn’t afraid I’m use to seeing shit like this when I worked at a wedding banquet hall as head of security.   The tenant’s guest was passed out on the floor near the elevator so I tried to wake him up and possibly escort him out of the building. I could barely see him breathing so I checked for a pulse.   The guest was totally out of it and dead weight plus to top it off as I stood near him figuring out what to do next he pissed himself.  I’m not talking a little pee but a fountain. He wet his jeans and tee shirt and made a puddle on the floor that’s when I thought “fuck it!   I’m not touching him this is a job for the HSC Ingrid...

After being railroaded at the June 5, 2014 tenant meeting I decided not to attend the next meeting that was scheduled for August 14, 2014.   After talking with my fellow tenants who did attend the meeting it's apparent UNH’s was in damage control mode and trying to cover their ass.  I got the scoops but I’m not going to post the contents of the meeting since I wasn’t there I have a story to share:   A few days ago the guys and I (tenants) got together in the courtyard and we talked about the lack of programs that are offered to the men.   After we shared our opinions and ideas we decided as a group to attend the Traditional Teachings program held this afternoon at the community room.  Finally I can compliment KMHC for a program that all tenants can enjoy.  :) First the program started off with a Native smudge ceremony then listening to Native Elder and teacher Peter Issacs talk about Native drumming and songs was interesting and inspirational.  E...

August 1, 2014 I signed up at the KMHC office to go on a tour of the Hamilton Bayfront area.   H.O.W. Lynda Jones gave us two taxi slips and $5 bucks each to cover the cost of the ride and I asked her to call us a taxi.  Three tenants went, Shirley, Peter and I.   For years I wouldn’t go on the trolly tour because I thought it would be boring and it looks like a kiddie ride.   Well folks as the saying goes “Better late then never”.   When we arrived at the pier the taxi driver was pissed off because H.O.W. Lynda Jones failed to mention to the dispatcher payment will be a taxi slip, not cash.   That was quite embarrassing and soon it was sorted out.  The Trolly train was full so we waited for the next one this gave me time to buy an ice cream cone, sit down and have a conversation with Peter.   He’s a true story teller he enjoys talking about his life and he seems like a genuine person.   Shirley....Gawd!   What can I say about her except...

So far it’s been a good summer I don’t listen or get involved with the tenant gossip mongers and I go about my own business.  There was a time when the H.O.W.’s would interact with the tenants but no more. During the day the office staff would barricade themselves in the back of the basement office.   Many times in the hallway H.O.W. Lynda Jones would walk by me and she’d have her nose in the air.   Great way to build a rapport with tenants Lynda. :P    I like the UNH’s maintenance staff they take the time to say hello and chat for a few minutes then it’s back to work.   These guys are the backbone of UNH’s, not the pencil pushers in the KMHC office. Bad Apple tenant Dean King, I haven’t spoke one word to this guy since our blow out last year yet he keeps mouthing off whenever our paths cross at the KMHC entrance door and the courtyard.  Message to Dean King: time to get on with your life and stop acting like a jilted woman. I have no desire to be ...

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 ...