Yee Ha’ólníi Doo received a historic $2 million grant from the Arizona Department of Housing State Housing Trust Funds (HTF). This marks the first-ever HTF allocation directly to a nonprofit and aims to address the critical need for safe and healthy housing on the Navajo Nation.
The award will enable Yee Ha’ólníi Doo to launch a multifaceted “Owner-Occupied Housing Health and Safety” initiative, aiming to improve the living conditions of 100 to 225 Navajo families across Apache, Coconino and Navajo counties where many Navajo households endure overcrowded and substandard housing without basic amenities like running water and electricity.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Theresa Hatathlie for her tireless advocacy in securing this significant funding for Arizona residents,” said Mary Francis, Yee Ha’olnii Doo interim executive director. “This grant will allow us to transform the lives by restoring their homes to a safe and comfortable state.”
The initiative has already begun, with the first project completed for 74-year-old Vietnam veteran Larry Yazzie. After years of seeking assistance to no avail with his leaky roof, Yee Ha’ólníi Doo responded quickly, completing the repairs within a day.
Yazzie expressed his gratitude, stating, “It rained recently and I didn’t feel any water drops in my home. I feel really happy. Nizhoniye! Baah Shił Hózhǫ́. They did a wonderful job!”
The success of Yazzie’s project highlights the collaborative nature of the initiative. Program Manager Ames Meyers partnered with local Navajo women-owned LCR Roofing, Inc., and Bodaway Gap Chapter Manager Andrea Dawes (a former relief volunteer) to prioritize urgent repairs identified by Dawes. LCR Roofing offered discounted rates and trash disposal services.
“I’m honored to share my skills and knowledge to contribute to a broader impact on our communities. My focus is quality. We have the knowledge, the network, and the passion to ensure the success of this project,” said Meyers.
Arizona State Senate District 6 Senator Hatathlie played a crucial role in securing the funding and recognizing the dire housing needs of the Navajo and Hopi Nations.
Senator Hatathlie emphasized the importance of addressing the historical disparities tribal communities face. “Our tribal communities stand as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering self-determination of our ancestors and successive generations. It is both a privilege and an honor to witness the initiation and ongoing progress of a significant housing rehabilitation project for Navajo Nation and anticipate the same momentum within the Hopi Nation, in the coming days,” said Senator Hatathlie. “In recent years, qualified indigenous-led non-profits have hit the ground running to provide much-needed services to our people. I fully support Yee Haolnii Doo’s dedication to restoring and repairing housing in Arizona’s rural and tribal communities.
“This pledge is reinforced by specific funds earmarked for housing projects from FY2022 through 2023, including a focus on the pressing needs of Navajo and Hopi tribal lands. In recognition of the historical disparities faced by our rural and tribal communities, the 55th Second Regular Legislature and then Governor Ducey answered the call, approving my request to allocate $4 million to address the housing needs of our disproportionately impacted population. Through legislative measures, this grant is now a reality for Navajo and Hopi Nations, ensuring housing repairs that guarantee safe living conditions,” stated Senator Hatathlie.
Beyond housing repairs, the initiative will create three new local jobs on the Navajo reservation, fostering economic empowerment through opportunities in construction, rehabilitation, and related fields. This aligns with Yee Ha’ólníi Doo’s broader mission to revitalize communities and empower individuals and families.
“This initiative highlights the transformative power of including indigenous matriarchs in environmental or social justice movements,” said Deputy Director Cassandra Begay. “Our deep understanding of our communities’ challenges and solutions positions us to rapidly allocate resources where they’re most effective and leads to improving lives quickly.”
This grant builds upon Yee Ha’ólníi Doo’s track record. Since its inception, the nonprofit organization has distributed over $12 million in direct relief to approximately 500,000 Navajo and Hopi people, launched three community centers on the Navajo reservation, and created local jobs while promoting food security, youth leadership, social entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.
