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SPRING 2021
ousingMatters
bringing you what matters about your housing
Child and Youth Covid-19 - Update
Mental Health For many of us, COVID-19 continues to change
during COVID-19 how we access services, meet our basic needs, and
get social support. Since last spring, CityHousing
COVID-19 has impacted people’s lives in Hamilton staff and our community partners have
many ways. In these uncertain times, feelings been working to keep services available for you as
of concern, stress and anxiety are normal for much as possible while keeping safe.
both you and your child or youth. It is important We are asking that everyone does their part to keep
to take care of your family’s mental health. each other safe. Keep at least 6 feet apart from
Do you have questions or worries about your others, wear a mask outside of your home, wash
family’s mental health because of COVID-19? your hands frequently, and stay home whenever
Visit www.hamilton.ca/CYmentalhealth for possible!
resources to support you and your family’s If you are worried that you have or were exposed
mental health. to COVID-19 visit: https://www.hamilton.ca/public-
Taking care of your own mental health is health/covid-19 or call the Public Health Hotline:
important. It can be hard to take care of 905-974-9848.
yourself and parent during a pandemic. For If you need help scheduling a testing appointment,
information about supports for your mental call 905-974-9848, press 2 to transfer to the COVID
health during COVID-19 visit Support Service Centre operated by St. Joseph’s
www.hamilton.ca/covidmentalhealth. Healthcare Hamilton.
Good News Story
On December 18th, 2020 the provincial staff dropped off 2 truckloads
government announced Hamilton of gifts for senior residents.
would be going into a lockdown Tina and Monica spent a few
beginning Monday December 21, hours door knocking and delivering the
2020 at 12:01am. gifts to the residents. They were greeted
with smiles, tears, and loud “thank you’s”,
St Matthew’s House (SMH), a charitable as residents were
non-profit multi-service agency, was getting overwhelmed with
ready to provide our seniors with gifts (hampers) their gifts.
for delivery the following week. SMH staff put a
call out for help on their social media due to the Huge shout out
lockdown, worried that they would not be able to to SMH staff who
get all the hampers out. worked overtime
Friday, to put
Tina Santarelli, a Tenant Support Worker together the amazing
(TSW) with CityHousing Hamilton (CHH) called abundance of gifts,
SMH Executive Director to see how CHH staff and to the TSW’s
could assist. Tina was immediately connected to for going over and
a SMH staff. beyond, volunteering
their time over the
Tina and Monica Palinsky (TSW at 120 weekend, getting the
Strathcona) met at the senior’s building on hampers out before
Saturday December 19th, 2020 at 9am. SMH the lockdown.
Beautiful Act of CHH kicked into action and our Property
Kindness from All Manager, (Melissa Shields), coordinated with
Able Living (Margaret Web) to find someone
Cynthia, one of our CHH
in need of a medical bed. The individual in
tenants who lives at 5 Maple,
need of a medical bed was able to see the bed
purchased a single medical bed
virtually through photos supplied by the Property
for her husband. Her husband passed
Manager from CHH and was delighted with the
away shortly thereafter, and the bed was still in
offer. A family member on behalf of the individual
immaculate, almost new condition. When the
was kind enough to arrange pick up and delivery
tenant transferred to a one- bedroom unit, she
and everyone was very happy and thankful at
generously offered to donate the bed to another
the end of the day.
CHH tenant that was in need.
Tenants from 120 Strathcona would like to
send out a big thank you to Bob Homes.
At Bob’s expense every holiday he pays out of pocket
and buys and decorates for any upcoming holiday.
Tenants are so grateful for Bob’s kindness and they are
very happy. Thank you for all you do Bob from
the tenants at 120 Strathcona.
Page 2Page
| spring
2 2021 | HousingMatters Newsletter
INCOME TAX PROGRAM
CityHousing Hamilton will be offering Income Tax
Reporting
Services for those tenants that have not filed their Changes to
taxes in the years before 2020. To catch up on doing Income
these past due income tax years, call Debra at
905-523-8496, ext. 4996. We have volunteers that will
Did your income change?
assist you all year long. Are you turning 65 this year?
Remember to contact your
Remember: Tenancy Administration
• If you are collecting Old Age Security, Representative as soon
you will need a T4-(OAS) slip from as your income changes,
Revenue Canada including when you start
(Call 1 800-959-8281) receiving your pension.
* Call right at 9 a.m. to reach them.
• If you are collecting Canada
Pension Plan, you will need a T4-(CPP) slip from
Revenue Canada (Call 1 800-959-8281) Rent Receipt
* Call right at 9 a.m. to reach them. Do you need a rent receipt
for your income tax? Contact
• If you are collecting ODSP, you will need a T5 slip
from your Case worker
your Tenant Administrative
Representive who can
• If you are collecting Ontario Works, you will need a process the receipt within
T5 slip from your Case Worker
3-5 business days.
You will also require a rental letter for each year you
lived in a CityHousing unit. You can ask your Tenant
Support Worker for the contact number of the clerk Tenant
that will assist you with that letter.
Insurance
Each year after doing your taxes, the government of Did you know that all
Canada (CRA) will mail you out a Notice of Assessment CityHousing Hamilton
(NOA). Please put this document in a safe place with all tenants are required to have
the rest of your income tax information. contents and liability insurance?
CityHousing Hamilton has insurance
The NOA is an important document because
that covers the physical structure of
it is the document CityHousing will ask you
your home or building.
for every year and use it to calculate your
rent. Without an NOA, your rent may jump If you don’t already have insurance,
to market rent and we don’t want that to contact an insurance professional
happen. So please, make sure you keep who can assist you with getting
it in a safe place where you will always the best rates and coverage. Or
know where it is. Contact your Property Manager or
TSW for information on CHH tenant
Debra Cote insurance.
CHH TAX Lead
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 3
Upcoming Changes
to CHH Maintenance
effective Tenant
February 8th F e br
u ar y
Led
Groups
CHH is improving the way that
maintenance requests are submitted.
8
As you are all aware the pandemic has put a
hold on our tenant lead groups. Activities and
A New Telephone Queue-Line System: groups that were enjoyed had to be abruptly
With the new system, when calling into CHH, the stopped due to covid restrictions.
caller will be able to speak to a live operator and
will not be able to leave a message. Callers will As your Tenant Led Group lead rest assured
wait in a queue to speak to the next available that I am working diligently with Hamilton Public
Tenancy Administration Representative and Health Services.
speak directly to them about their maintenance
request. The transition includes a new universal I am developing a comprehensive plan to re-
maintenance extension line - Ext. 6200 – that open community rooms and tenant led groups
will be used for all calls coming into the CHH as soon as it is safe to do so.
Maintenance Department.
Please stay tuned… as soon things progress
If by accident you call the old Area maintenance and I learn more from the Province and Public
lines, the number will be functional for a limited Health, I will be connecting with you. Your
time. Please take a moment to change your safety is our number one priority.
contacts in your phones to the new # 6200.
In the interim, here are a few activities that will
New Email Maintenance Request Box: help you maintain a healthy mindset, keep up
We will be transitioning away from the area your spirits, and connected to the outside world:
mailbox email addresses. Our new universal • Talking on the phone to someone lifts the
maintenance mailbox is CHHMaintenance@ spirits and connects you to other people
hamilton.ca. As with the queue system, the old • Television is one form of entertainment, but
mailbox addresses will remain active for a limited also playing games on your tablet or I Pad if
time. you own one is a good way to keep your mind
sharp
We are confident that the new Queue-Line • If you have access to internet, zoom meetings
system and merged maintenance email mailbox with family is a great way to stay connected!
will make the service request process more user • Puzzles are an amazing way to pass the time,
friendly and efficient and will result in quicker you can get them at the dollar store
response times for maintenance dispatching and • Adult coloring – one of my personal favorites!
shorter wait times for maintenance services. It is relaxing and rewarding when you finish
and see your masterpiece
Thank you for patience and support as we
transition to the new way of working in the If you have any questions about Tenant Led
Maintenance Department. Groups please contact Karol De Stefano,
Community Development Coordinator, Tenant
Brian Kinaschuk Led groups at 905-523-8496 x 7924
Manager of Maintenance, CityHousing Hamilton
Page 4Page
| spring
2 2021 | HousingMatters Newsletter
Lending a Hand
to keep the
Freshness In!
The Rotary Hamilton After Five
donated funding to purchase an
Industrial Refrigerator to keep our
fresh foods fresh at First Place.
Rotary Hamilton After Five has provided
funding for the purchase of a $2,600 industrial
refrigerator for the City Housing Hamilton (CHH)
community kitchen located at First Place,
Hamilton Seniors Residence, 360 King Street skills and reduce isolation. Seniors will have the
East, Hamilton. The new industrial refrigerator opportunity to engage in cooking nutritious foods
will provide storage for food that is used in food that can be shared with family and friends.
preparation for First Place residents.
CHH has been providing weekly fresh food, dry
In January 2021, CHH and St. Matthews House food and boxed lunches to 85 tenants at First
(a charitable, non-profit multi-service agency Place. The food is provided by CHH partners:
located on Barton Street between Victoria and Food for Life, Wesley and Goodwill. As the
Wentworth) will begin the SINKS (Seniors in the pandemic ends, a food market will resume
Kitchen) food program in January 2021. The each week at First Place. The food market will
SINKS program will offer weekly workshops in be available for all seniors of First Place and
small groups to seniors interested in learning empower them to make their own food choices.
new skills in the kitchen. The workshops will offer The new industrial refrigerator is key to the
an opportunity to build new relationships, new storage of fresh and nutritious food items.
2021
Rent Freeze
As many of you are already aware, the Provincial
Government has implemented a rent freeze from
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021.
It is important that all of our Tenant Administration Tenant Support Workers
tenants realize that even though Representatives (Rent Extensions:
there is a rent freeze in effect all Calculations) Extensions: Carlie Weeks ext. 2982
annual renewal paperwork must Coleen Gallant ext 5856 Gillian McLaughlin ext. 7813
still be handed in. As always, Patrick Morrallee ext. 7614 Monica Palinsky ext. 7160
your Tenant Administration Mia Cantwell ext. 1942 Denise Zawislak ext. 7711
Representatives and Tenant
Pira Turcan ext. 7301 Gabriella Mullins ext. 5173
Support Workers are able to
Dawn Sacks ext. 7584 Tina Santarelli ext. 2355
answer any questions that you
may have about the rent freeze Sarah Varga ext. 7140 Sally Anderson ext. 7293
and annual renewal paperwork. Pauline Haase ext. 7304
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 5
The Hamilton Literacy Council
Are you 19 or older?
Do You Need help with
Reading, Writing, Math?
iPad or Computer skills?
We offer:
For Home or for Work
Small Group classes
One to one tutoring
Free!
Bus tickets available We also offer training in:
Health Care Aide Prep Thank you to our funders:
Computer Job Search
Basics
Give us a call:
905-529-9907 The Hamilton Literacy Council 75 MacNab St. South
Page 6Page
| spring
2 2021 | HousingMatters Newsletter
SPRING MEANS GARDENS……
GET OUT YOUR
GARDENING
GLOVES!
Soon, we will be outside in the fresh air growing to take care of their garden and learn how CHH
our food and our flower gardens. This year, we can support you.
will be having scheduled garden registration
days where interested gardeners in each of the We will go over all the rules and regulations of
CityHousing buildings, can sign up for their own the garden spaces. A high tea event will sure to
garden space. delight all.
This is a fun outdoor program that has
tremendous benefits to your wellbeing. We
encourage all of you interested to watch out for
the Garden Registration Day schedule, which will
be posted sometime in April 2021.
Your CHH Garden Lead is
Debra Cote
Many tenants have participated for several years
in the annual gardens program, growing their @ 905-523-8496, ext. 4996.
favorite food or flowers and plants. Some tenants
chose to leave their garden plots over the years
due to physical challenges – loss of interest or
gained other new interests.
Whatever the case may be, everyone can come
out in the month of April and attend our Garden
Registration Day where tenants can sign up for
a garden space, sign a garden commitment form
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 7
TELUS Mobility for Seniors connect
Good for Seniors More than ever, seniors need a new way to
program connect with the community and receive the
necessary information to be knowledgeable
of what exists.
Seniors
If you’re a low-income senior, you may be eligible First Place is one of 15 senior buildings
for our Mobility for Good for seniors’ program. under the CityHousing Hamilton (CHH)
See below for program details and how to apply. umbrella and is home to 535 seniors living
in downtown Hamilton. The average age of
Mobility for Good a tenant living at First Place is 73 years old.
Mobility for Good® for low income seniors Many of our tenants have limited access to
provides Canadian seniors receiving the technology and/or the knowledge to use it.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit with However, most tenants have access to TV
low-cost wireless service. Customers can bring which is their primary source of information,
their own device or can request a free refurbished communication and connection to the
Android device while supplies last. outside world.
Program details CHH has a goal of promoting First Place as
• Bring your own device or apply for a free the hub of healthy aging senior tenants and
refurbished device providing the necessary programs, services
• 3GB of high-speed wireless data per month with and resources to successfully age in place.
Peace of Mind We strive to inspire, support and empower
• Unlimited Canada wide talk & text seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle by
• Ongoing $25 per month rate (plus applicable offering programs to strengthen the body,
taxes) engage the mind and enliven their spirits.
• No long-term contract or cancellation fees
The first step to building First Place as a
You can apply if you: healthy aging hub is to connect with our
• Receive the GIS benefit tenants. “Seniors Connect” is a pilot project
• Can provide your Old Age Security statement, where CHH will install a “closed caption”
also known as the T4A(OAS), indicating an channel (CCTV) for all First-Place tenants.
amount paid to you in box 21 (net supplements The goal is to provide a comprehensive,
paid) easy to access and fast way to share
important news and information. The CCTV
How to apply channel will provide social, cultural and
To confirm that you are eligible. Contact the email physical activities to engage seniors and
below. They will ask you for your OAS statement. connect them to the outside world, while
Email your Old Age Security Statement to remaining healthy and safe indoors during
mobilityforgood@telus.com the current environment.
If you do not have email, please call
TELUS Mobility 1-866-558-2273 Stay tuned as we launch “Seniors Connect!”
If your application is approved, we will email
you a verification code and further instructions
on ordering your phone and signing up for the
service.
Page 8Page
| spring
2 2021 | HousingMatters Newsletter
Your Tenant Support Team
The Community Development The Tenant Support Workers or TSW’s
Coordinators or CDC’s work with provide you with support, education,
individuals and groups to plan, coordinate referrals and guidance to help individuals
and facilitate a variety of programs to help resolve issues that may put your tenancy
tenants engage in a healthy community at risk. TSW’s can help assess your needs
life. They help tenants with developing and connect you with the right services
new ideas into long standing programs to support you. They can be an advisor,
and groups. Here are just a few of the a listener, an advocate, or just someone
activities our CDC’s are involved with: to talk to when you don’t know who to
coordinating with community partners call! Some of the issues TSW’s can help
to bring new programs to our tenants, with include: rent arrears, completing
organize flu clinics and tax clinics, forms, addressing clutter or housekeeping
organize wellness programs, coordinate concerns, education and referrals around
community gardens, and coordinate various community services.
the articles, design and delivery of this
newsletter. TSW staff can be reached by calling
905-523-8496 plus extension below:
CDC staff can be reached by calling Carlie Weeks ext 2982
905-523-8496 plus extension below:
Gillian McLaughlin ext 7813
Brenda Silverthorne ext 6049
Monica Palinsky ext 7160
Kim Moore ext 6679
Denise Zawislak ext 7711
Debra Cote ext 4996
Gabriella Mullins ext 5173
Karol De Stefano ext 7924
Tina Santarelli ext 2355
Kelly Coxson (Project Manager-Vanier
Sally Anderson ext 7293
Towers) ext 7924
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 9
INTRODUCTION-CARE HAVEN HEALTHCARE’S
“GOING MOBILE PROJECT”
Care Haven HealthCare is a registered not-
for-profit that promotes health by operating
and managing medical clinics to provide the
public with out-patient medical services.
Care Haven HealthCare’s “Going Mobile
Project” is a regional multidisciplinary Mobile
Care Unit (health van). The “Going Mobile
Project’s” aim is providing a coordinated
barrier-free multidisciplinary health van
delivery model that will support an evidenced-
informed, community-based response to
hepatitis B &( hepatitis C primary focus),
NASH, STI’s and HIV (STBBI’s), through the
provision of treatment and care, prevention,
education, support, harm reduction, & test to confirm status. If the patient is confirmed
testing to: to people recently released from positive, they will be linked to care directly to our
the correctional system, First Nations, Metis specialized treatment team. Hepatitis c treatment
and Inuit peoples, People who use drugs and is FREE for everyone in Ontario.
people who are homeless or vicariously housed.
The Going Mobile Project stops at various On each van shift there will also be another
correctional, prisoner service organizations, partner agency offering services from another
shelters, city housing units, Transitional housing discipline on a rotating basis such as (but not
units, addiction centres, and indigenous limited to): HIV education, addiction supports,
communities throughout the following counties: harm reduction, housing, eye tests, etc.
Niagara, Haldimand, Norfolk, Brant, Halton and
York. SELF REFER
Need help for your liver
COMING SOON TO VANIER TOWERS disease now?
The Going Mobile Project is pleased to Call us at (905) 528-2564.
announce that it will soon be providing services We treat all liver
to Vanier Towers monthly. Look out for our conditions: Hepatitis B,
advertisements to see when we will be coming. Hepatitis C, Fatty Liver
We look forward to serving you soon! All services Disease, Cirrhosis,
are free on the van. Alcohol Related Disease,
Medication Risk, PBC,
WHAT TO EXPECT PSC/Autoimmune
On each van shift, there will be a Hepatology Hepatitis, Abnormal
(liver health) staff who will provide confidential Liver Function
rapid hepatitis c testing (a simple finger prick),
whereby patients will receive their results in
minutes. Those who test positive via the rapid
hepatitis c testing, will be provided with a second
Page 10 | spring
Page 2 2021 | HousingMatters NewsletterSpring Tips for
Pest Control
With spring on the way, we can expect Rogers Connected
pests to become more active in the coming for Success
months. Here are some tips for reducing Internet Plan
your chances of an infestation:
Are you looking for affordable Internet? CHH
Reduce Reduce areas of moisture and Rogers have partnered to provide you with
within the home. Small pools of water or reliable internet at a low cost of $9.99+ tax/
leaking pipes can provide enough water month.
to attract springtime pests such as ants There are no modem rental fees, no credit
and cockroaches. checks and no contract
Eliminate food sources by storing food If you are Interested Call 1-866-689-0758
(including pet food) in air tight containers Promotion is subject to
Maintain clean food preparation areas by Rogers geographical area
eliminating food residues that may attract
pests.
Keep garbage bags and recyclables
sealed.
Reduce clutter that may provide a home Cogeco Internet
for pests & TV package
If you see pests, please do not attempt Provides CHH Tenants affordable Internet
to solve the problem on your own! The and TV offers. Epico program offers unlimited
best chances of success will come from internet that provides easy access to
on-demand content.
calling our City Housing Pest Control
department 905-546-2121. If you have If you are interested call 1-877-263-8086
pests, we want to hear from you and Promotion is subject to Cogeco
work together towards a pest free home. geographical area
Cleaning
This is a reminder for residents of townhouses,
singles and semis to clean up your yards,
dog poop, flower beds, garbage, and report
any maintenance concerns. It is also time to
consider taking down any lingering seasonal
decorations!
Reminder
Please properly discard of items, don’t leave
items near an over flowing bin or out for
collection when it’s not collection day.
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 11Prevent Cooking Fires
from Happening to You
Cooking brings people together; it provides an outlet for creativity and
can be relaxing. But, did you know that unattended cooking is one of
the number one causes of residential house fires in the City Smoke
of Hamilton? Statistics show that in the past five years,
the majority of Hamilton Fire Department responses
alarms save
lives!
Tips
to CityHousing buildings have been due to cooking
related fires/incidents.
By following a few kitchen fire safety tips, you can
help to prevent these fires:
Practice
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol safe cooking
don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling
measures
food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn
off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, Butt out!
remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to
remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils,
food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. Plan your
If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the
escape
fire...
• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the
pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is Test your
completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. smoke
alarms
If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire… monthly
• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help
contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home.
Hamilton
Smoking is another leading cause of fires in Hamilton. Smokers should Fire Department
regularly check their furniture for fallen cigarettes or embers,
which can smolder for hours before igniting into flames. Make Fire Prevention
sure to properly extinguish cigarettes and never leave 55 King William Street
lit cigarettes unattended. Dispose of cigarettes safely Hamilton, ON L8r 1A2
in a metal container. Never throw cigarettes over www.hamilton.ca/fire
balconies, as this poses a major fire risk.
Page 12 | spring
Page 2 2021 | HousingMatters NewsletterAir Conditioners
CityHousing Hamilton is committed to the
maintenance and safety of its properties and
residents. Air conditioners can pose health and
safety risks, such as units falling to the ground,
if not installed properly.
As a resident, before you install an air
conditioner you must receive written
consent from your Property Manager.
Once this consent has been received, the air
conditioner must be professionally installed by
a contractor at your own cost.
If you install an air conditioner without
prior written permission from CityHousing
Hamilton, you will be required to remove it
immediately if it is not installed correctly.
If there are any damages resulting from
unauthorized or incorrectly installed air
conditioners you will be charged in accordance
with the Service Chargebacks Policy. All installed air conditioners must
meet the following specifications:
Any air conditioning unit installed in a high-rise • Installed in the lower window position of a
apartment will be inspected by the Operations vertical sliding window(s)
Department. Air conditioners installed in
townhouses or single homes will be inspected • Does not exceed the electrical capacity of
by the Maintenance Department. the unit – please check with your Property
Manager if you are unsure
CityHousing Hamilton encourages energy • In compliance with the manufacturer’s
conservation and a shared responsibility instructions
with you in reducing energy costs through • Installed without drilling holes or modifying
conservation initiatives. These include reducing the window frame or building
peak time usage and replacing older units.
• With the use of window inserts supplied
with the A/C unit or ¼ inch plywood painted
white
• Adequate sealing of the opening of the
window
• Plug directly into an electrical outlet or use
appliance grade extension cord (12 gauge,
6 feet/2 metres)
• Portable air conditioners must be properly
installed based on the specifications of the
manufacturer and well ventilated.
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 13We’ve
Tenant Tenant Administration Representatives
Update (Rent Calculations) Extensions:
MOVED
Patrick Morrallee ext. 7614
Dear Tenants: Mia Cantwell ext. 1942
This is a notice Pira Turcan ext. 7301
to inform you of Dawn Sacks ext. 7584
some updates
DETAILS
Sarah Varga ext. 7140
including that Pauline Haase ext. 7304
our main office Colleen Gallant ext. 5856
located on the first
floor of 181 Main
Street West has moved to NEW ENTRANCE TO
the third floor of 181 Main Street West. CITYHOUSING HAMILTON
Please make note of the following: Please do not knock on door or buzz
Current Office hours: the intercom. This intercom is not
Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays for CityHousing and you will not be
from 10 am to 1 pm ONLY directed to CityHousing from the
intercom.
• Access to the new office on the third floor of
181 Main Street West is through the outside
If you require assistance please call
elevator only. The elevator is located on the 905-523-8496 ext. 7303
exterior of the building to the right of the doors
to the mall. The doors to the elevator will only
be open during our hours listed above.
There is a new drop box with a slot to the
exterior which will allow you to drop off items 24
hours per day, 7 days a week. This is located to Door will be locked
the right of the new entrance door and is now and only open during
the hours listed above.
available. The current drop box is quite small Please call number
and will not accept large envelopes. We will above if you require
be changing to a larger drop box in the coming assistance.
weeks.
• The Coinamatic laundry card machine is now
located on the 3rd floor of 181 Main and will
only be available during the hours listed above. Do NOT buzz intercom.
This will not put you in
• Although there is access to the third floor touch with CityHousing
and the person
during these hours our offices remain answering will be
closed and you will be unable to unable to help you.
enter. There will be someone that
is able to greet you at the door and
accept paperwork or payment and
answer questions.
Page 14 | spring
Page 2 2021 | HousingMatters NewsletterEMERGENCIES
Preparedness and COVID-19
Every year, emergencies and disasters happen 2 weeks with no notice. Stockpile non-
in communities across Canada and around the perishable or frozen food items. Ensure
world. Over the past several months, the world you have a 2-week supply of necessary
has been grappling with the effects of COVID-19. medication. If this isn’t possible, make sure
Closures of businesses, schools, entertainment you can have a supply delivered to you if
venues, and many other cancellations have had necessary.
an impact on all our lives. At the City of Hamilton,
the Emergency Operations Centre was activated Other items to
on March 12th to support the delivery of essential include in your
city services, and the health and safety of our emergency kit:
community. a flashlight
a supply of water
It is important to consider what you would do if you cell phone with back-up charger
and your family had to self-isolate in your home
clothing, footwear and a light blanket
due to COVID-19. This could be as a result of
moist towelettes, hand sanitizer and
travel, or due to exposure to someone who has
garbage bags for personal sanitation
tested positive for COVID-19.
extra keys and cash
There are some simple steps that you can take to copies of important papers
‘be prepared’. (e.g. passport, insurance papers)
Make a plan – Consider who could assist you if Customize your kit to meet any unique
you needed to replenish essential supplies during needs and remember that other types
your self-isolation. Are there delivery services of emergencies can happen during
available? Is there a neighbour that can retrieve COVID-19, and so you may be asked to
items for you, and leave them outside your door? evacuate or shelter in place for these types
Build a kit – You may already have an Emergency of events.
Kit ready for other types of emergencies. Take a For more information on how to prepare for
moment to check the items, including replacing emergencies, please visit
any expired food or medication. In addition, with www.hamilton.ca/emergency
self-isolation for COVID-19, plan to be home for
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 15HOW CAN I GET A PROOF OF INCOME STATEMENT?
2
Online
The CRA My Account is a secure portal
that lets you view your personal income
tax and benefit information and manage
your tax affairs online.
If you are not already registered for My
Account, you can sign up on the CRA
website. There is a helpful video on
the CRA site to walk you through
how to register.
3
If you received CERB, you likely are
already registered for My Account, and
you can easily print a Proof of Income
Statement.
1. Login into your CRA My Account online
(http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/myaccount/)
2. Click the “Proof of income statement
(option ‘C’ print)” link under the
“Related services” section in the
4
bottom right corner
3. Select the Tax Year from the drop
down list that you want to see.
4. Click the Next button. Your Proof of
Income Statement will open up.
5. Press the Print button to generate a
paper copy to bring in, or the Open
PDF button if you’d like to save the
PDF file and save it electronically.
Page 16 | spring 2021 | HousingMatters NewsletterA PROOF OF INCOME Wellness for
STATEMENT IS A SIMPLE CHH tenants
VERSION OF YOUR TAX
ASSESSMENT THAT
SUMMARIZES YOUR
INCOME AND DEDUCTIONS
FOR THE TAX YEAR.
You can get a Proof of Income Our CHH (CityHousing Hamilton) food security
Statement from the Canada program has transitioned to our partner, St.
Matthew’s. Our partnership means CHH
Revenue Agency (CRA) online tenants will continue receiving emergency food,
or by mail. upon request, during the pandemic. If you are a
CHH tenant in need of emergency food, please
call 905-523-5546 ext. 240 to register for a
food delivery to your door.
Cashless Payments
CityHousing Hamilton has become cashless as
of January 1, 2021. Payment options include:
• Cheque or money order (no fees for seniors)
By Mail • Interact Debit at CHH main office (191 Main
You can order a copy of the Proof of St W 3rd Floor elevator out front of building)
Income Statement (option “C” print) to be (When office re-opens)
mailed to you by calling the automated • Postdated cheques
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) line at • Pre-authorized payments
1-800-267-6999. • Telephone/internet banking
• At bank branch using
You will need to verify your identity when tenant account number
you call. You will need: • Direct payment through Ontario Works
or Ontario Disability Support Program for
• Your full name and date of birth
program participants
• Your social insurance number (SIN)
• Your complete address, including postal CHH staff will be supporting tenants who
code pay cash individually to transition them to an
alternative payment method.
• Line 150 from your most recent tax
assessment
Reach out to your Tenant Support Work or your
Property Manager if you need assistance.
It can take up to 10 days to receive the
In exceptional cases, CHH will still accept
Proof of Income Statement by mail.
cash as it is legal tender, however you will
need to discuss this with your Property
Manager.
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 17Recipe Corner Basic Iced Tea
Ingredients
Pickled cucumber salad • 2-1/4 cups water
with smoked salmon • 6 regular-size tea bags
(about 1/2-ounce total),
or 2 family-size tea bags
• 6 cups cold water
• Granulated sugar for garnish
• Lemon wedges for garnish
• Mint sprigs for garnish
Preparation
In a small saucepan, bring the 2-1/4 cups water
to a gentle boil. Add the tea bags, remove the
saucepan from the heat, and cover. Steep for 15
This Asian-style salmon salad is colorful, minutes.
fresh and crunchy with homemade
Remove the tea bags without squeezing
pickled cucumbers, it’s the perfect light
them (which would add bitterness) and pour
dinner or wholesome lunch.
the steeped tea into a 2-1/2-quart heatproof
INGREDIENTS container (like a large Pyrex liquid measure).
• 200g frozen edamame or broad beans Add the 6 cups cold water and mix. Let cool at
• 2 tbs rice wine vinegar room temperature and then refrigerate until cold.
• 2 tsp caster sugar Serve over ice, garnished with sugar, lemon
• 2 Lebanese cucumbers, peeled into ribbons wedges, and mint sprigs.
• 2 tbs soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp wasabi paste Homemade Bread
• 1 radicchio, leaves separated Ingredients
• 1 avocado, stoned, peeled, thinly sliced • 2 cups warm water
• 150g Coles Tasmanian Hot Smoked Salmon • ¼ cup sugar
Fillets With Pepper, flaked • 1 1/2 tbsp yeast
METHOD • 1 ½ tbsp salt
Cook the edamame or broad beans in a • ¼ cup vegetable oil
saucepan of boiling water following packet • 5 ½ cups of flour
directions. Refresh under cold water. Drain. (All purpose works)
Peel and place in a bowl. Preparation
Combine half the vinegar, half the sugar Dissolve sugar in warm water. Add yeast and let
and 1 tbs salt in a separate bowl. Add the proof. Mix oil into yeast mixture once proofed.
cucumber and toss to combine. Set aside Mix flour and salt in separate bowl. Add dry
for 2 mins to develop the flavors. Drain well. mixture to wet mixture one cup at a time and
stir / mix until soft ough forms. Knead for 3 to
Whisk the soy sauce, wasabi paste, 5 minutes. Place in an oiled bowl, turn over to
remaining vinegar and remaining sugar in a coat both sides. Let rise one hour. Punch down,
small bowl. Season. Arrange the radicchio shape into loaves: Place into greased bread
and avocado on serving plates. Top with pans. Let rise 30 – 40 minutes.
the cucumber and salmon. Sprinkle with the Bake at 350 for approx. 30 minutes.
edamame or broad beans and drizzle with Brush tops with butter while warm.
the dressing to serve.
Page 18 | spring 2021 | HousingMatters NewsletterHamilton
Police warn
public about
several
recent scams
The Hamilton Police Major Fraud Unit continues to
see a rise in the number of people becoming victims of The list of ongoing scams is large and
online fraud as well as telephone fraud. changes every day. The best way to
protect yourself is to be aware of the
Frequently reoccurring scams involve criminals potential for fraud. Please take these
pretending to be government officials or Corporations steps:
seeking money for taxes or looking for your personal
information. These scammers will direct victims to “pay STOP – take a step back before
their fines” or “contribute money due to Covid-19” using you act. Very few situations
iTunes cards or other prepaid gift cards or any other
forms of stealing your money, identity.
require immediate action.
LOOK – at the situation,
The callers are intimidating and will keep you on the
phone so that you can’t call anyone or ask for help or
environment & evidence. i.e.
try to make you feel bad and talk you into giving out communication (emails, texts),
your personal information. documents, contracts, ads, etc.
Look realistically, thoroughly, &
Reporting an Internet or Phone Crime impartially.
The Hamilton Police Service is committed to LISTEN – to professionals,
addressing computer/phone crime. To that end, the family, friends, colleagues, media,
Service has created a Technology Crime Unit to internet, police.
support front line investigation of computer/phone
crime. BEFORE you act, continually
reassess to make sure the
If you receive any threatening or inappropriate
situation is safe.
messages, or if you are a victim of fraud or harassment
you should contact your Internet Service Provider.
If the matter requires Police involvement, please contact the
Hamilton Police Service at 905-546-4925.
If you have information regarding computer/phone crime, please call
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
HousingMatters Newsletter | Spring 2021 | Page 19WHO TO CALL
We Want CityHousing Hamilton
To Hear Main Number
From YOU!
905-523-8496
Reception Press “0” or ext. 7303
The goal of the Housing Matters newsletter
Maintenance ext. 6200
is to keep you up to date on matters like
policies, projects, and about the activities and Pest Control ext. 2121
accomplishments of tenants across the city. The
newsletter is distributed to over 7,000 homes Regular Business hours are
three times a year. Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm.
Housing Matters is prepared and written by
CityHousing tenants for tenants, meaning However due to Covid 19 CHH hours
we need YOU! are reduced to Mondays, Tuesdays,
Are you any of the following: Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Interested in improving your writing skills?
A High School student wanting to complete
To reach someone outside of these
their 40 hours of community service? hours call the number above,
Looking to gain 905-523-8496.
experience in
journalism? Other Important Numbers
Have a poem or 911
other piece of This will connect you to Emergency
creative writing Medical Services, Hamilton Police and
to share? Fire Services.
Know of a
neighbour, 905-546-2789 (CITY)
staff person,
Call the City of Hamilton for
or community
program you would like to see highlighted? information on all City services.
If you said yes to any of the above, contact Kim 211
Moore by email, phone or mail to learn more This will assist you
about how you can volunteer with Housing to find social services
Matters.
in Ontario.
Kim Moore
Community Development Coordinator
55 Hess St. S. P.O. Box 2500,
Hamilton, ON L8N 4E5 OR
kim.moore@hamilton.ca
905-523-8496 x6679You can also read
