A nonprofit that started off providing relief for Native families during the pandemic is now helping Navajo and Hopi families repair their homes.
The Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund started at the height of the pandemic to protect families from exposure at a time when food supplies were unpredictable and scarce. Now, it’s received a $2 million grant to help with housing needs like repairs for Indigenous families in Coconino, Apache and Navajo counties.
Deputy Director Cassandra Begay says the group has already helped a 74-year old Vietnam veteran whose roof was falling apart.
"He was telling me that water was coming through and started to crack the walls in his home and stuff. We were able to go in and fix his roof within a day," she said.
The grant came from the Arizona Department of Housing. Begay says the group intends to help 100 to 225 families.
