Today we wrapped up a two-day workshop with Chris Maracle on how to do a housing strategy. The reason we had this workshop is because, as we all know, housing is such a big issue in our community (lack of houses, lots of arrears, mould issues, etc. etc.) and it's clear we need a plan to address all of these things. Recently we were promised $60,000 ($20,000 for inspections, $40,000 for planning) from AANDC (Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada) to come up with a housing strategy. We haven't received this funding yet, and this workshop was a way for us to learn about how to do a housing strategy so we do our own in the best possible way and make the best use of those funds.
Chris Maracle is Mohawk from the Bay of Quinte, in Ontario. He ran the housing program in his community for 17 years, and now travels all over the country helping communities like Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw get started on developing a housing strategy and putting a good housing program into place. In his community 90% of the people there own their homes (instead of renting) and there is no-one on the waiting list! He had a lot of information to share, from his own community and others across the country, on many different topics like funding, home ownership, construction, training, policy, etc. etc.
I will be doing more updates on what we learned in that workshop, but today I wanted to give you an overview of what we discussed in this workshop and highlight some of the main points that stood out from the workshop.
First off, the main message of the workshop was that we need to move away from rental housing and towards home ownership. We talked about how people who own their homes tend to have more pride in them, and kids who grow up in home-owning families do better in school, with fewer suicides, teen pregnancies, etc. So, one of our main focuses should be on helping people move into home ownership instead of renting.
Another big thing we talked about was the importance of having clear policy, and having a Council that fully supports their housing administrator to implement that policy, without getting involved. Also, we need to look beyond AANDC and CMHC for our housing, and come up with creative solutions to our problems.
On day one Chris did a presentation called "Ten Characteristics of Succesful Housing Programs" which are:
- Separation of politics from administration
- Long term vision & strategic planning
- Professional management & administration
- Accurate assessment of conditions & needs
- Clearly defined and enforced policies
- Creative financial solutions
- Technically appropriate and affordable designs
- Skilled & productive workforce
- Community participation & motivated occupants
- Linkages to economic development
We talked a lot about the existing program in Tsulquate, what's working, and what could be working better. We also did a quick overview of what is involved in a housing strategy.
On day two we got more into the housing strategy part. We got an AWESOME manual to walk us through all the steps of developing a housing strategy. We are in great shape to get started on ours, having done our CCP, having the housing committee going now, with funding in place, and with the will of the community, council and staff to deal with our housing. In general, the housing strategy process will include:
- Getting started by getting a group together to do the strategy, figuring out the schedule for doing the strategy, and getting funding (this part is pretty much done!)
- Doing an assessment (this will be our next step, and will likely involve a combination of housing inspections and surveys)
- Writing up the results of the assessment
- Establishing goals
- Establishing work plans to accomplish those goals
- Implementing (doing) what's in the plans
- Keeping the community updated and revising the plan as we go along
It was great to get this overview, and I think we are going to do a really fantastic housing strategy, with the involvement and support of everyone in the community. Stay tuned for more updates as we move along in this process! (and enjoy these pictures of my dream lego house :)
Jessie Hemphill
Gwa'sala-'Nakwaxda'xw Nations
Executive Assistant & Communications Officer
jessieh@gwanakplan.org
Phone: (250) 949-8343
Cell: (250) 902-8221
Executive Assistant & Communications Officer
jessieh@gwanakplan.org
Phone: (250) 949-8343
Cell: (250) 902-8221
Fax: (250) 949-7402
www.gwanak.info
Thanks to these people for attending the workshop:
Day One:
Lorna Henderson, Ricky Coon, Betty Walkus, Danny Coon, Victor Walkus, Ernie Henderson, Ollie Walkus, Libby Walkus, Blanche Walkus, Clyde Walkus Sr.
Day Two:
Lorna Henderson, Ricky Coon, Betty Walkus, Danny Coon, Robert Walkus, Gloria Walkus, Andi-Rae, Blanche Walkus, Clyde Walkus Sr., Wade Charlie