Happy December to all of you!

We put up our Christmas tree a few days ago. This time I pushed my “perfectionist” urge aside and let my children creatively decorate it. It felt challenging initially, but when I noticed how their little minds were working and the pattern they were creating, it felt very promising. The outcome was very pleasing. We all were happy and proud of each other! We can achieve wonders by creating opportunities for people around us, such as our children, spouse, friends, and colleagues. This holiday season, let us make it cheerful by encouraging innovation, strength, and purpose.

This year has been challenging but hopeful. We made progress renovating 55 of our aging properties across Alberta. Our goal is to address issues around uninhabitable properties, and prioritize their repair and renovation in the next two to three years. In the meantime, we are also working on expanding our housing portfolio to address the growing need for affordable housing. Even though we have faced some hurdles, we have received supports from all orders of government that reinforce our mission.

By working together, taking care of our homes and property, reporting repairs on time, and being a good neighbour, we can build more robust, resilient, and safe communities. Our team is always ready to support you and offer available resources. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to discuss and share your concerns, challenges, or to give a pat on the back to our much deserving team members who work hard to ensure your needs are met within a reasonable time.

From all of us at MĂ©tis Housing, I wish you much happiness, love, and success this holiday season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Sincerely,

Bindu Bonneau
Senior Director of Operations
CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Reminder! We will be closed for the holidays
December 20 – January 2. Here at Métis Housing, we value time with family and want to ensure our staff get to enjoy the season with theirs.

For tenant emergencies, a staff member can be
reached at:
  • Edmonton and Northern Alberta:
780-717-9005
  • Red Deer, Calgary, and Southern Alberta:
403-333-6490
We will respond to all messages received during the break when we reopen.
A LETTER FROM OUR HOUSING RESOURCE WORKER
Miyo-manitowi-kîsikanisi! Merry Christmas!
 
Thank you for being a part a part of our family for another year.
 
There have been a lot of stresses over the past year as a result of COVID. The holiday season can often increase our stress levels and add to strain on our mental health. During these challenging times, self-care is vital to keep our cups full. Self-care can be different for each person, and one person’s routine may not work for another person.
 
One great way to deal with stress and stay grounded is through breathing exercises. When you are feeling anxious or down, take a minute and try this breathing exercise:
 
Belly Breathing
 
  • Take a deep breath through your nose and fill your belly with breath
  • Hold your breath for as long as you are comfortable
  • Slowly breathe out your nose, emptying your belly, and let your shoulders relax
  • As you exhale, keep the word “relax” in your mind
  • Recall a favourite memory while you belly breathe, and practice daily
 
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you need help or would like assistance connecting to resources. You can reach me at 780-918-7149.
 
You can also call the 24/7 Community Access number: 780-424-2424. They will connect you with mental health supports.
 
I am very excited to introduce you to a new resource as well. Togetherall.com is a free online network that offers anonymous, peer-to-peer mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
 
Sincerely,
Kathy Rosero Suelt
Housing Resource Worker
SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
You still have time to nominate a deserving student for a $1,000 scholarship! We are receiving nominations until December 31. Don’t miss out!

Drayden Insurance has graciously created a scholarship to better support Métis post-secondary students in their academic careers. Four lucky students will receive a $1,000 scholarship towards their tuition – two students through Métis Urban Housing Corporation and two through Métis Capital Housing Corporation.

“We truly feel that children are our future,” began Cindy McGinnis, Branch Manager with Drayden, “… and the best way we can be a part of their success is to help provide them with the opportunity of a greater education”.
Nomination forms can be found at: metishousing.ca/news/

Completed nomination forms can be sent via email or mail.
Email: communications@metishousing.ca
Mail: Drayden Scholarship Nominations, 11923 121A Street, Edmonton, AB T5L 0A2
 
Contest Alert!
Let’s see those gingerbread houses!
Tag us @metishousingab in a picture of your gingerbread masterpiece for a chance to win a gift card.
The sky is the limit – it can be an eclectic mismatch of candies or a perfectly-designed creation.

We will have 3 categories:
  • Most original
  • Ages 13+
  • Kids 12 and under

Contest closes January 3, 2022
CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS
  1. Prevent fires by using the correct Christmas lights. While some lighting is good for both indoor and outdoor use, green-labelled lights are for indoor use only and red-labelled lights are for outdoor use only.
  2. Keep poinsettias out of reach of children and pets. They are toxic when consumed.
  3. Do not use the top two rungs of ladders – not even to reach that one light at the very top of the tree. Ensure the ladder is on a flat surface, opened properly, and is being held by someone.
  4. Do not leave candles, the stove, or the oven unattended.
  5. Make sure to cook your turkey according to weight and size to avoid getting sick from undercooked meat.
  6. Be extra careful using sharps to open presents – cut away from yourself and make sure no one is in the area.
  7. Take care of your mental health over the holiday season by avoiding or limiting stressful situations. Call the Alberta Wide Mental Health Line 1-877-303-2642 if you need to talk to someone.
  8. Do not drink and drive. If you are going to drink, make sure to have a plan in place.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING THRONE SPEECH
During the November 23 Throne Speech, Prime Minister Trudeau addressed the cost of living and housing affordability. The title of the speech was “Building a Resilient Economy: A Cleaner and Healthier Future for our Kids.” Governor General Simon read the speech to open the first session of the 44th Parliament of Canada.
 
The throne speech outlined the government's promise to address issues surrounding affordable housing. The plan includes building more housing units per year, increasing affordable housing, and putting an end to chronic homelessness. This will be accomplished with programs such as the proposed $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund and the First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive.
 
“Whether it is building more units per year, increasing affordable housing or ending chronic homelessness, the government is committed to working with its partners to get real results,” the speech stated.
 
The Housing Accelerator Fund will help municipalities build homes faster, while first-time home buyers will be able to take advantage of initiatives such as the First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive and a new Rent-to-Own program.
 
At MĂ©tis Housing, we will be following all these initiatives closely as we are committed to working with every level of government to provide the maximum number of affordable housing units and housing supports to our community.
We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Follow us on social media to join in on the festivities!