MCK Update on Housing

04/21/2023

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is pleased to update the community on some important changes and updates regarding housing services.

Following the recommendations of two separate consultant reports (report on Housing by Brant & Associates) as well as the Restructuring Study conducted by the Osborne Group, coupled with years of hard work strategically aligning operations for the MCK Housing Unit, operations are now moving forward with new direction.

Excitingly, new home construction under the MCK Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) resumes with an improved client experience. “The MCK is elated that the newly remodeled Housing Unit is now equipped and staffed to better service the housing needs of Kahnawa’kehró:non,“ said Housing Portfolio Lead, Ratsénhaienhs Ryan Montour. “Now that funding has been secured, we can resume the completion of Project 7 with the construction of three (3) new residential homes, for the immediate needs of the community. I also extend my gratitude to the leadership and Executive Office for all of their hard work that has now put us in a position of sound financial management and fiscal responsibility.”

Along with the announcement of the new residential home construction projects, the Housing Unit has also undergone a restructuring of its employees and processes. Following the recommendations of the report, new employees are now in place, and two new members will be joining the Housing team next week, aimed at building a stronger foundation for enhanced Housing support.

“It’s taken a lot of time and hard work, but we are confident that the new Housing Unit will be able to meet the needs of Kahnawa’kehró:non, with an enhanced personalized service experience, and above all, more transparency and accountability to the community,” said MCK Housing Director Areti Malliarou.

On more than one occasion the MCK analyzed 282 mortgage and home renovation files through a detailed, independent third-party forensic audit. As part of the process, the loan management and control mechanisms were examined and improved for greater financial oversight. “There is still much work to be done to optimize our housing services that would allow us to meet the housing needs of our community members,” said Executive Operations Officer, Alan John Rice. “Today’s announcement is only the beginning of the long-term plans to minimize the housing shortage in Kahnawà:ke.”

The MCK thanks the community for their continued patience and understanding, as this work could not have happened without the expressed feedback and direction of Kahnawa’kehró:non.