What is the Healthy Homes Initiative?

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne has initiated a new program aimed at helping community members improve the health of their homes. Doing so will lead to healthier people. The Healthy Homes Initiative (HHI), is a program being implemented by the Healthy Homes Initiative Project Team working with a number of representatives of various departments within MCA.

The project team will consist of;

Project Manager – Darcy Jackson

Construction Manager – Ben Benedict

Environmental Health Officer – Keith Smith

Housing Inspector – Norman Peters

How the Program Works:

INSPECTIONS: Over the next year, Keith Smith, the Environmental Health Officer will be making his way to every home in Akwesasne jurisdiction and offering homeowners a home health inspection if they’re interested in participating in the program.

CONSENT/PARTICIPATION: Homeowners who would like to participate in the initiative will consent to an initial assessment. However, every homeowner will have to commit to participate in an education process that will help them learn how to maintain their home’s health after the project ends. Participants will be active partners, and will be expected (when possible) to actively contribute to the repair of their home.

REPAIR: HHI’s construction crews and Community Health employees will work together on eligible homes in the community that do not meet the standards and which has an owner who is willing to participate in the process.

NON-REPAIR HOMES - Homes that are found to be at or above the standard and safe for its occupants can also benefit from the program. Homeowners will receive education and tips on how to keep their home healthy. The education process is a major component of the project.

HOW TO LEARN MORE:

The Healthy Homes Initiative Project team will be conducting focus meetings to help educate the community on what the project is and to answer any questions or address concerns. The Tsi Snaihne meeting was held on Aug. 10. A Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island) meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tri District Elders Lodge. A meeting will be held in Kana:takon (St. Regis) on Thursday, Aug. 25 from 6-8 p.m. at the St. Regis Recreation.

For more information, contact Darcy Jackson, Project Manager – 613-575-2250 Ext. 2312 or [email protected].