I’ve worked as Housing Support Staff with the Indwell Hamilton Apartments Team for about one year now. Having lived in Hamilton for the past 14 years, I’m very aware of the housing crisis we face, and I want my time and talents to make a difference.
The support in supportive housing is what separates Indwell from a lot of other housing initiatives. We believe the job isn’t done when someone is merely housed, and we make a continuous effort to reestablish hope in people — to journey alongside individuals to see them reach a point of thriving in all areas of their life. My role is to help be a source of that hope, to meet people where they’re at while also helping them see where they can go.
One of my favourite parts about my job is that each day varies depending on the needs of tenants and the program. My day often starts with “office hours,” meaning my office door is open for tenants to come with questions or concerns, or just to chat. I’ll often help people navigate day-to-day tasks, like accessing Ontario Disability Support Program payments, making doctor’s appointments, and contacting our Facilities Team for apartment maintenance, just to name a few examples.
Growing up, my mom taught me the importance of community through tea parties and seasonal gatherings in our neighhourhood. Drawing from her inspiration, I organize social events for tenants, fostering informal and enjoyable connections with snacks, music, and crafts. This creative freedom in programming allows me to cater to each tenant’s interests and needs.
Some of us will never have to experience homelessness — or the threat of it — simply because we have a family member or friend that would provide a place for us if we lost ours.
Collaboration is a key part of supporting tenants well. Some of the challenges we see often involve individuals who face barriers in accessing different resources that are available to them within the community; barriers such as lack of knowledge or transportation. It can be hard for individuals to identify where they are struggling and seemingly small obstacles that are having a significant impact on their wellbeing. Thankfully, Indwell has many external partners available to help our tenants navigate through these obstacles. Indwell staff frequently serve as intermediaries, facilitating tenants’ connections with specialists like the Crisis Outreach and Support Team, Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, the Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Helping Hands Street Mission, the SPCA, Housing Help Hamilton and many others — both in Hamilton and Indwell’s other regions (it truly takes a village!). For example, we recently hosted tax clinics where the Social Planning and Research Council of Hamilton and Hamilton Tax Help helped tenants file their taxes for free.
One of the greatest problems I see in our world is lack of connectedness. Some of us will never have to experience homelessness — or the threat of it — simply because we have a family member or friend that would provide a place for us if we lost ours. Relationships are critical to wellness, and the supportive housing programs offered by Indwell help to establish and enhance life-giving relationships. It’s so meaningful to be part of these journeys of hope.
