Two new resident representatives, Matti Siitonen and Antti Kuusiniemi, have just started on the Board of Setlementtiasunnot. We interviewed Matti Siitonen first.
Matti has lived at Setlementtiasunnot for just over a year, in the Borgströminmäki building.
“I have settled in very well. When I moved in the spring, there was immediately a yard clean-up event, and I witnessed the community spirit of this building. I was invited to eat when the tables were laden during the clean-up,” he recounts.
Soon after, he also joined the resident committee.
“The resident committee and I plan various activities. For example, on Women’s Day, there was a pampering day for women. And of course, there are always spring and autumn clean-up events,” he says.
Resident Representative
Matti states that he is interested in influencing matters and what happens around him.
“Even small actions can create significant meaning for people,” he reflects.
Seeking a position on the Board of Setlementtiasunnot was a natural next step from the resident committee.
“The resident committee encouraged me to run for election,” he notes.
What does he expect from the upcoming board term?
“I am joining the Board of Setlementtiasunnot with the intention of observing and learning what influences the operations of Setlementtiasunnot. What is significant on a larger scale?”
“I want to ensure residents’ voices are heard in decisions that concern us. And as a student, I might also have something new to contribute,” he nods.
Community is important
Matti is studying to become a software developer at Hive Helsinki, a coding school funded by Supercell.
“There, too, community is one of the cornerstones, just like at Setlementtiasunnot. For example, we don’t have any teachers; instead, we evaluate each other’s projects,” he says.
For Matti, the community spirit of the building means considering other people, including everyone, and keeping shared spaces tidy.
“The cleanliness of the environment is, however, very important for people’s well-being and sense of security.”
“Community means being able to greet your neighbor in the yard and chat. It’s nice to catch up,” Matti states.
He is pleased with his building’s common areas and the shared garden in the yard.
“There, too, residents are encouraged to freely pick vegetables for their own needs,” Matti explains.
