Ronwatihwistaníhas ne Ahontenonhsón:ni

Kahnawá:ke Housing Unit

Housing Team Members

Areti Malliarou

Director of Housing Unit

Governs MCK Housing programs and services, establishing a comprehensive strategic vision & operational plan meeting community housing needs of Kahnawa'kehró:non, while ensuring alignment with the overall strategy of the Organization. Oversees two Housing functions and their staff and collaborates closely with MCK Executive Officers and Directors and Housing Portfolio Chief.

HOUSING PROGRAMS & CLIENT SERVICES

Heather Jacobs-Whyte

General Manager of Housing Programs and Clients Services

Oversees employees in housing programs for Contracts and Construction, Client Information Intake Lead and Housing Administrative Generalist. Oversees tenants and coordinates unit moves for new tenants, transfer tenant or those vacating a unit. Works with the inspector and General Manager of Properties and Construction. Works on operational documents for the Housing Unit.

Rosemary Lahache

Contract and Construction Officer

Role to coordinate housing loans and oversees construction for these loans. Works with inspector and Credit Management.

Tehotenion Skye

Client Information Intake Lead

Role to receive and respond to all calls coming into the Housing Unit. Assists with rental application, manages insurances and provides support to the Contract and Construction Officer for loan applications.

River Lawrence

Housing Administrative Generalist

Role to provide unit support, manage housing rental applications and works closely with General Manager of Housing Programs and Clients Services.

HOUSING CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Nihawennah'a Lahache-McComber

Interim General Manager of Properties and Construction

Oversees inspector and maintenance employees. Role involves renovation and repair of MCK community housing units, in addition to evaluation and planning of construction of new community housing units.

"Coming Together is The Beginning. Keeping Together is Progress. Working Together is Success."

Lisa K. Montour

Housing Program Inspector

Role to conduct inspection in community housing units, and for loan construction projects.

Shennenhiio Homer

Maintenance

Role to respond to unit maintenance needs.

Charlie Robertson

Maintenance

Role to respond to unit maintenance needs.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Kristy Kennedy

Credit Manager, Finance Unit

Role to manage and maintain financial integrity of client rental and mortgage accounts, provide internal financial reporting, and conducts financial analysis of rental and loan applications.

Jayanne Barnes

Credit Management Administrator

Finance Unit. Acts as a liaison between MCK Finance and Housing to support and manage client rental and mortgage files.

A Word from the Executive Operations Officer

Alan John Rice

Executive Operations Officer

I'm very happy with the direction of the Housing Unit, since starting my position in mid October I've witnessed the Housing team work diligently to offer great service to the community. I'm honored to be apart of this team, we are headed in the right direction, and I'm excited to be part of the future of Housing in Kahnawà:ke.

MCK Housing Survey Results

Date posted: March 09, 2022

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke's Housing Unit wishes to advise the community that the results of two recent surveys are now available for public viewing.

Janurary 2022 Survey Results- January 10, 2022

February 2022 Survey Results- February 08, 2022

Housing Payments Update:

Please be advised that with MCK's resumption of Housing payments as of July 1, 2020, Housing payment deferrals that were prompted from lack of income stemming from the Covid-19 Pandemic is currently not in effect. Payments can continue to be made through the following options:

• Automatic Withdrawal Payments — for further details, contact Housing at 450-638-0500
• Cash, Interact, or Cheque Payments available at MCK's Main Office Building's Cashier booth
• Check or money order in the mail and made payable to Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke, P.O. Box 720, J0L 1B0
• Desjardins AccesD Online Bill Payments (Search 'Mohawk Council of Kahnawake' when adding a bill)

For further information, inquires can be made to the Housing Group at 450-638-0500.

The Kahnawá:ke Housing Unit’s role is to assist community members in need of new housing, housing repair, temporary housing and those in need of advice and information pertaining to housing matters.  These services ensure access to affordable housing, programs to assist in the preservation of existing housing stock, as well as address the needs of individuals for temporary rental housing. A complete listing of each service can be accessed below:

• Mortgage Loans for New Construction
• Loans for Housing Renovation
• Rental Programs
• Construction/Contract Management Service

MCK Housing Assessment Final Report

Presented to Chief and Council April 1, 2019. Now available for viewing below:

- MCK Housing Assessment Final Report - April 1st, 2019

Recent issue regarding leases in Kahnawà:ke

The MCK is strongly advising landlords enter into lease agreements with tenants and that tenants purchase renter's insurance.

Video about the advantages of Renter's Insurance

Recent Press Releases

- MCK Update on Housing - 04/21/2023
- Housing Unit launches quarterly Newsletter - 03/16/2023
- Additional updates on housing - 11/29/2022
- 2021-2022 Annual Housing Statements - 06/15/2022
- Housing Tenant Selections Are Completed - 06/10/2022
- MCK announces Housing Study and Restructuring Strategy initiatives - 03/10/2022
- Housing Survey results available for viewing - 03/09/2022
- MCK Housing Unit updates on continuing developments - 02/11/2022
- MCK Housing Unit - Balance Statements of Accounts to be issued - 01/28/2022
- REMINDER - MCK Housing seeking further feedback - 01/25/2022
- MCK Housing seeking further feedback - 01/13/2022
- REMINDER - MCK Housing Survey ends Monday, December 20th - 12/15/2021
- MCK Housing to resume normal payment scheduled for all approved winter deferrals - 02/25/2021
- Call for Tenders for Multi-Dwellings Renovation Project - 01/18/2021
- MCK Housing to resume normal payment schedules - 09/10/2020
- MCK Housing to Resume Payments - 06/22/2020
- MCK Housing Payments - 04/06/2020
- MCK Housing Unit announces Essential Services measures - 03/19/2020
- Davis Montour officially announced as Director of Housing Unit - 07/10/2019
- Housing Clients should expect Statements by the end of July - 07/03/2019
- Kahnawake Contractors invited to Housing Info Session - 04/26/2019
- MCK Housing Assessment Final Report accepted by Chief and Council - 04/05/2019
- MCK announces 2019 Housing initiatives - 03/18/2019
- Housing Clients strongly urged to complete Affidavits - 02/28/2019
- Housing to be restructured, major commitment made for repairs and maintenance - 02/26/2019
- Housing Survey results available - 01/23/2019
- Reminder - last day for Survey on Kahnawakehrónon with housing needs - 12/21/2018
- Survey extended for Kahnawakehronon with housing needs - 12/10/2018
- Do you need Housing? Your input wanted - 11/29/2018
- Housing Services changing, your input needed - 11/21/2018
- MCK releases Housing Department Assessment Report - 09/26/2018
- Housing Assessment nearly complete - 09/12/2018
- MCK hires independent consultant to assist in Housing Review - 08/09/2018
- Statements sent to Housing Clients - 07/27/2018
- Reminder – Last day for Housing survey - 05/19/2017
- Housing survey available online - 05/04/2017
- Reminder - Community Tenants Meeting Tuesday and Wednesday - 04/03/2017
- Community Landlords Meeting Feb 8th - 01/25/2017
- MCK Housing Rent to Equity program accepting applications - 11/30/2016
- Housing Program increases home construction loan amount to $175,000 - 03/23/2016
- Reminder of HOPE Housing Open House - 06/24/2015
- HOPE Housing Open House – Community invited - 06/16/2015
- MCK recommending Agreements between Landlords and Renters - 03/11/2015
- Rent to Equity Open House February 9 and 10 - 02/02/2015
- MCK Housing announces ‘Rent to Equity’ program - 01/21/2015
- Housing Department announces innovative HOPE Housing Program - 09/08/2014
- Important Notice - CORRECTION of application deadline for vacant single person rental unit - 08/15/2014
- Housing Department accepting applications for vacant single person rental unit - 08/11/2014
- Local Contractors invited to observe new foundation system installation - 07/16/2014
- Phase II of Section 95 Social Housing Program set to begin - 05/15/2014
- MCK begins preliminary work on exciting new Housing initiative - 04/24/2014
- New Housing Construction Loan Program - 02/17/2014
- Home energy efficiency program available to low-income households - 01/20/2014
- MCK Housing Department accepting applications for single person rental units - 09/16/2013
- The New and Improved MCK Housing Program - 07/29/2013
- Presentation of new and improved MCK Housing Program - 07/25/2013
- MCK accepts recommendations for changes to Housing Department’s Revolving Loan Fund - 06/19/2013
- Housing Survey results presented to Council - 06/13/2013
- Housing Survey Winners Announced - 06/10/2013
- Eight new housing rental units to be built - 05/23/2013
- Housing Consultations Begin - 05/21/2013
- Enhancements to MCK Housing Program - 04/10/2013
- Mohawk Beach Road Brush/Tree clearing - 12/16/2010
- Semi-Detached Units Update - 09/15/2008
- New Semi-Detached Units Unveiled - 05/12/2008
- SDU and Caisse Sign Agreement - 01/29/2008
- Duplex Housing Project Moves into Construction Phase - 07/17/2007
- New Housing Initiatives Announced - 05/31/2007

Other Releases

- CMHC - Canada's Economic Action Plan Creates Jobs and Improves Housing on Reserve in Quebec

CONSTRUCTION

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) - Mortgage loans to construct a new home

The RLF Mortgage Loan is intended to provide qualified applicants with a mortgage loan for the complete construction of a new house using funds from the Revolving Loan Fund (maximum $175,000.00). The program requires a down payment contribution from the applicant in the minimum amount of five percent (5%) of the mortgage principle. This program is targeted to eligible Kahnawa’kehró:non who are gainfully employed, in the middle-to-upper income bracket, who require suitable housing on reserve. These individuals must be willing to take on a debt in the form of a mortgage, with land held as collateral by the Mohawks of Kahnawà:ke.

The New Construction Loan Program has continuous intake.

MCK House Repair Loan Program (HRLP)

The HRLP provides loan access up to a maximum of $25,000 for the basic repair of a house, to correct deficiencies, prevent deterioration, and to raise the standards of the house. There may be an equity contribution required from the applicant in the event the cost of the desired repairs exceed the $25,000. maximum loan.  HRLP has continuous intake and applicants can access this loan more than once.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Renovation Programs:

1. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)
   The Housing Unit acts as the Delivery Agent for Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC) to administer the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) & RRAP for community members with a disability.  This program is intended to assist in the repair and improvement of existing substandard housing in Kahnawá:ke, to raise it to minimum level of health & safety, as well as address modifications to a house to address handicap needs. Funding is provided in the form of a grant from the Department of Indian Affairs and a forgivable loan from CMHC.
   
   
2. Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
   ERP offers financial assistance to help low-income households make emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their home.  Homeowner’s incomes who are at or below the established thresholds for the area are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
   
   
3. Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program
   HASI assists homeowners pay for minor home adaptations to extend the time seniors can live in their own homes independently.
   
   
4. Secondary/Garden Suite (RRAP)
   Secondary/Garden Suite (RRAP) assists in the creation of affordable housing for low-income seniors and adults with a disability by providing financial assistance to convert/develop existing residential properties that can reasonably accommodate a secondary self-contained unit. All CMHC Programs are subject to eligible criteria and annual funding allocation.

RENTAL

Multi-Dwelling Apartments
Multi-Dwelling is a social housing rental program geared towards low-moderate income families.  It provides affordable, transitional rental accommodations, suited for families.  Support through Housing Case Management is provided to assist the tenant in achieving future homeownership.

Rental for Single Occupant
One bedroom housing rental geared towards low income single adults (male or female) who are experiencing challenges that have resulted in the inability to access private rental housing in the community.  Tenants must be willing to work with MCK Housing in the development of a case management plan during their tenancy. 

Rent to Equity (RTE)

The RTE is intended to build equity for future homeowners of lower-to- middle-income Kahnawakérho:non who qualify and who might otherwise find it impossible save for the necessary down payment on a mortgage loan.  The Program offers 3 bedroom rental housing combined with a scheduled savings component to facilitate accumulation of the necessary funds to enter the housing market. 

The RTE is targes eligible Kahnawakehró:non who are close to being financially capable of home ownership but require some financial assistance, particularly in saving the down payment.  They should be gainfully employed, in the lower-to-middle income bracket, and require suitable housing on-reserve.  Because there are three (3) models of programming, there are also three (3) income brackets for qualification.  These individuals must be willing to work with the Kahnawà:ke Housing Unit Case Management in order to determine eligibility and at what income bracket they qualify.

HOUSING SERVICES CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

This program provides a service to Kahnawa'kehró:non who are self-funding construction of a new home or expanding an existing home. The Housing Unit, through plan & contract review, as well as inspection services ensures proper construction which adheres to the  Building Code and Construction Standards of the MCK. All fees for such services will be charged to the individual homeowner and will be payable to the MCK Housing Unit. For more information, contact the Housing Unit.

There is eligibility criteria for all housing programs.
Contact the Housing Unit to obtain further information.