Hooghan Ba Hane’ A Housing Authority Monthly Publication January 2017 Houck housing project re - ignited

On Jan. 6, members from the Navajo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners met with Houck Chapter officials to discuss the Houck Project, formerly known as Bluestone.

HOUCK, Ariz. – On Jan. 6, the Navajo Housing Authority Like us on Facebook (NHA) Board of Commissioners met with Houck Chapter Officials to discuss the development of the Houck www.facebook.com/ Project which is to be located along Interstate 40, two miles east of the Houck Chapter House.

NavajoHousingAuthority The Houck Project, previously known as the Bluestone Project, was placed on a brief hold two years ago in order for the eight newly appointed NHA board members to Follow us on Twitter reevaluate the project. The project had been heavily promoted and dubbed as a model for other master www.twitter.com/ planned housing developments on the . “The whole reason that we are here is because there hooghanorg was a lot of misconceptions as to why the Board delayed Houck Chapter President, Lorenzo this project and there were questions concerning the Curley (Left) and Vice-President James land issues and some of those were resolved,” said NHA Find us online Watchman, Jr. (Middle) participated in Board Chairman Ervin Chavez. “Now that we know where NHA work session regarding the Houck we are, and understand the feelings of the community, www.hooghan.org we can start moving this project into phases and move Project held on Jan. 6 at the Houck In this issue: Chapter House. » CONTINUE ARTICLE ON, PG. 3

Message from the Live KTNN radio; 43 units modernized in Construction activities Ramah hold dedication AZ million dollar NHA Chairman NHA provides update Ojo Amarillo for FY2016 for 49 new homes circle of excellence » STORY, PG. 2 » STORY, PG. 4 » STORY, PG. 5 » STORY, PG. 6 & 7 » STORY, PG. 8 » STORY, PG. 10 Page 2 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Message from the Chairman

Navajo Housing Authority Issues Statement in Response to Public Hearing

In response to a directive by the Navajo Nation programs. Tribal Council, the Office of the Speaker held a public Commenters also expressed concern in the way hearing on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the that leadership continues to attack NHA instead of in Window Rock, Ariz. to supporting NHA. Commenters also wanted leadership hear from tribal members and residents whether and NHA to work together to find solutions and the Tribally Designated Housing Entity (TDHE) status pointed out that there seems to be undue influence should be taken from the NHA and transferred from outside sources (press, other interests) that to the Navajo Nation’s Community Housing and leadership is considering rather than taking an Infrastructure Department (CHID). unbiased approach to reform. Current and past residents as well as applicants NHA believes strongly that the leadership should voiced their concerns about housing services and not mistake resident concerns, regarding repairs and programs provided by NHA. NHA Board and staff were maintenance, with the original and only purpose of also in attendance at the hearing. the hearing which was to address Legislation No. NHA is committed to addressing the housing 0232-16, the transfer of NHA programs to the Navajo Ervin Chavez services and issues expressed at the hearing. In fact, Nation. Chairman we (NHA) address tenant issues and concerns on a In our view, the hearing would have been more Board of Commissioners daily basis. effective if there was a moderator to remind the Throughout the hearing, commenters expressed commenters of the purpose of the hearing. concerns regarding the ability of Nation’s Community In all, many commenters implied that the legislation Housing department to oversee the Housing Authority, was developed in haste and they were against the noting that the Nation still has no formal plan to transfer, and expressed that the Council should work take over services and programs currently provided together with NHA to solve the current issues instead by NHA and that the Nation’s history in managing of trying to overtake the agency. NHA wholeheartedly and operating federal programs is cause for concern. supports that view and hopes the Tribal Council will Further comments call attention to the department’s work with us to resolve any concerns and keep the (CHID) lack of infrastructure and ability to manage the NHA as an independently operated enterprise.

NHA Board of Commissioners

Ervin Chavez Asa Begaye Christina Lewis Kenneth Chester Lula Jackson Ben Johnson Kenneth Peterson Marleita Begay Chairman Vice-Chairman Secretary/Treasurer Member Member Member Member Member Eastern Agency Western Agency Fort Defiance Agency Tenant/ Northern Agency Tenant/ Chinle Agency Representative Representative Representative Homebuyer Representative Homebuyer Tenant/Homebuyer Representative 2 year term 4 year term 4 year term Representative 4 year term Representative Representative 4 year term 2015 - 2017 2016 - 2020 2015 - 2019 2 year term 2015 - 2019 3 year term 4 year term 2016 - 2020 2015 - 2017 2015 - 2018 2016 - 2020 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Page 3

NHA Board holds work session with Houck Chapter officials to discuss housing project

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forward with this at a more reasonable Watchman expressed the Houck and responsible schedule.” community’s vision for the project. “Most Delegate chapters usually help out individual Raymond Smith attended the work families through housing discretionary,” session and was excited about the said Watchman. “For us as chapter renewed collaboration, “this is really officials and administrators we are trying exciting especially now that everyone is to create something huge and fair for on board,” said Smith. “There is a definite everybody.” need for housing here, especially with “Because the development is located the community’s plans for economic on fee land the housing will be open to development.” everyone (Navajo) and as a chapter we Houck Chapter Vice-President, James can’t control that,” Watchman added. Watchman, Jr. was also in attendance and A follow up meeting, with was pleased with the update from NHA. shareholders, is tentatively scheduled “We wanted an update on the status to take place at the end of January. of the Houck Project,” said Watchman, Additional shareholders will include; “We’re still in favor - community Arizona Department of Transportation, members were asking because we heard Navajo Dvision of Transportation, Navajo through the grapevine that it was stopped Telephone and Utility Authority and other or put on hold.” stakeholders. NHA Chief Executive Officer, Aneva Yazzie updates Houck Chapter Officials on the status of the Houck Project during a work session held on Jan. 6 at the Houck Chapter House. Navajo Nation Council passing legislation 402-16 during Winter Session WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - On the fourth to push for meeting its housing goals the day of the Navajo Nation Winter Session statement read. the Council passed, by a vote of 11-8, If signed by the President the new Legislation 402-16 sponsored by Council appointments will have to be made within Delegate Alton Joe Shepherd (Jeddito/ 120 days, according to the legislation. Cornfields/Ganado/Kinlichee/Steamboat). The current standing NHA board The intent of 402 is to reduce the members are as follows; Ervin Chavez, number of the Board of Commissioners Chairman, Eastern Agency Representative; for the Navajo Housing Authority Asa Begaye, Vice-Chairman, Western from eight to five and to increase Agency Representative; Christina Lewis, the qualifications for the board. New Secretary/Treasurer, Fort Defiance members will be required to have Agency Representative; Kenneth Chester, professional qualifications and credentials Member, Utah Tenant/Homebuyer in the housing, architecture, business, Representative; Lula Jackson, Member development and contracting. Northern Agency Representative; Ben In a prepared statement released Johnson, Member, Arizona Tenant/ after the vote, NHA states that it vows Homebuyer Representative; Kenneth to deliver a strong governance system as Peterson, Member, New Mexico Tenant/ we continue to deliver on the important Homebuyer Representative; and mission of bringing affordable housing to Marleita Begay, Member, Chinle Agency the Navajo Nation. Before this legislation Representative. becomes law, the Navajo Nation President must sign the bill. While we await the NHA Board Chairman Ervin Chavez is given an opportunity president’s decision NHA will continue to express his opinions on legislation 402-16 during a NABI called work session held on Jan. 12, at the NDOT conference room. Page 4 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes

NHA hosts LIVE radio forum on KTNN, KWRK, Facebook live

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Jan. 4, the Navajo Housing Authority hosted a LIVE radio forum which aired on KTNN (AM660) and KWRK (FM96.1) from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The program was also streamed live to NHA’s Facebook business page. Special guest panelist included, Peterson Zah, former Navajo President and Chairman; Asa Begaye, NHA Board of Commissioner Vice-Chairman; Lula Jackson, Board of Commissioner member; Aneva Yazzie NHA CEO; Roberta Roberts, NHA Government and Public Relations Director. Topics of discussions included general information on NHA, how to be a successful homeowner, and the impacts of the pending council legislation 232-16. The forum concluded with a question and answer portion where listeners were encouraged to text their questions into KTNN studios. The full live program is available and can be viewed on NHA’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ NavajoHousingAuthority.

NHA Chief Executive Officer, Aneva Yazzie (left) and former Navajo Nation President/Chairman Peterson Zah at KTNN studios.

Guest Column in Jan. 12, 2017 issue of the

BY PERCY DEAL- RE-PRINT FROM NAVAJO TIMES

Back in 1963 the Navajo leadership is difficult to build any project in Navajo Wednesday, Dec. 21. I raised serious could jeopardize housing funding for all created what would eventually become trust land areas. It can take years before concerns regarding the efforts to transfer Navajo people. one of the largest public housing a single development project is ever the federal housing programs from NHA The NHA has hundreds of ongoing authorities in the . Now started and completed. I have worked to the Navajo Nation. My main concern construction projects between repairing more than 53 years later, the Navajo collaboratively with different agencies is that there is no formal plan to ensure old homes, infrastructure, day-to-day Housing Authority has grown into a on community facility projects and it has there is a smooth transition. We need management and planning the future of multimillion dollar organization, and I never been an easy undertaking. concrete proof that these plans exist Navajo housing. We should not address have learned that they are responsible Currently, the Navajo Nation Council and we cannot afford to take hearsay as reform in a large organization like NHA for more than 9,000 housing units and is considering Legislation 232-16. This fact. Furthermore, the Navajo people without a formal process. Furthermore, employ more than 400 tribal members. In legislation will move the authority of have not been provided an opportunity we need to give the organization time addition to developing single and multi- the independently managed NHA to the to contribute their input on the plan and to address concerns from the Council family housing, NHA also provides funding Navajo Nation’s Community Housing and I am also concerned about the Nation’s and the public. I do not believe that this to build emergency shelters, youth Infrastructure Department. The CHID is track record in managing and operating legislation will benefit anyone because it recreation centers and infrastructure such a small tribal department that lacks the other federal programs. No one at the does not have a well thought out process as roads, electricity and water throughout capacity to manage the programs and Speaker’s public hearing could answer my to facilitate any true reform. the reservation. services of the NHA. This change will concerns. I do share the sentiment of others who This work is not easy. In addition to subject the Nation to federal audits by I am also very concerned about the expressed at the public hearing that the following strict federal guidelines, NHA United States Department of Housing timing of this effort. There is a new Navajo Nation Council and NHA need to ensures that housing units are built with and Urban Development, as it will Congress and Presidential Administration, work cooperatively to find solutions. With the necessary utilities to provide a quality now be managing a federally funded and I hear that the current nominee for that said, I respectfully ask our delegates living standard. And it must do so while housing program and we are told that HUD Secretary has little to no background to do what is right for the Navajo Nation: consistently addressing tenant issues and in all likelihood it will put the 400- plus or experience in housing and community Do not support 232-16. True reform does concerns. hardworking individuals currently development. We are not sure what type not happen overnight. We must have a Admittedly, the NHA has had its employed by NHA out of work in an area of actions they will take. However, we can full plan to effectuate true change and problems and it has taken time for them that already has staggeringly high 50 be assured that HUD will scrutinize any until then, we jeopardize the critical to institute the necessary reforms and percent unemployment rate. major moves to a housing entity as large needed housing services that NHA rebuild their housing development I attended a recent public hearing as NHA, which receives between $80- 90 provides for our Navajo people. programs. I have worked at the chapter held by Navajo Nation Speaker Lorenzo million in federal funding. Without a plan, level in various capacities, and I know it Bates at the Navajo Nation Museum on we do not know what will happen and we Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Page 5

NHA, Community of Ojo Amarillo holds housing dedication for 43 new homes

Photo - NHA Board Chairman Ervin Chavez provides a welcome address during the Ojo 43 home dedication.

Photo - 1 of 43 units in Ojo Amarillo completed under modernization program.

OJO AMARILLO, New Mexico – The Navajo Housing Wesley Begay, Jr. development manager for NHA’s Authority celebrated the renovation of 43 homes in the construction management department spoke on the community of Ojo Amarillo. The 43 homes are part of a development process. “It is a rare opportunity to work 426-unit modernization project that began earlier this directly with Navajo families to make a difference year. in these communities,” said Begay. “We see a lot of The cost of the Ojo Amarillo modernization project different communities we see a lot of different style of came at a price tag of $10,689,650.50, with an living.” Photo - Community members gather at anticipated cost credit of about $200,000 when the “We work mainly with four different types of open house event. project is closed out this month. The contractor was construction which is new development, crime Tyonek Contractors, LLC from Anchorage, Alaska. These prevention, model activities and modernization, as projects were funded cumulatively from the 2012 IHP to you see here today,” said Begay. “What consists of the present 2016 IHP using IHBG funds. modernization is where NHA works with existing NHA To celebrate the work NHA officials held a public property on existing NHA lands.” dedication event at the site of the renovation projects in “In order to make sure everything is consistent one of Ojo Amarillo. Pax Harvey served as master of ceremonies the main things we had to do is lay down the foundation and introduced the array of speakers for the days event. for work and we really wanted to focus on four main NHA Board Chairman Ervin Chavez provided a areas; Safety, quality, cost and time,” said Begay. “We welcome address, “…this is exciting, 43 housing units wanted to build safer projects by implementing site here (Ojo Amarillo) that are new to this area,” said specific safety plans, we wanted to improve our quality Chavez. “I’m glad the team did a good job about getting by quality control plans, we wanted more stringent the word out they (the public) knows that there are 43 material testing programs and third party inspections, houses out here that are going to be dedicated.” and we wanted to manage cost and time better by NHA CEO Aneva Yazzie also said a few words, “I want implementing a design build construction mechanism.” Photo - Interior of newly modernized to commend my staff for assisting…what you see here Pierre Dotson, VP of Finance and Business home in Ojo Amarillo. (Ojo Amarillo) is the culmination of a team effort in Development, Tyonek Construction Group, Inc was also executing a work like this all the way from site clearance, in attendance and thanked NHA for allowing them to environmental, right way clearances, construction, be a part of the project. “I want to thank NHA…working procurement, inspections the hold full gamete,” said with NHA on a day to day bases there is no better group Yazzie. “We have a huge challenge we have a 50,000 they know what they are doing on a day to day bases,” housing needed on our reservation right now as we look said Dotson. “We had clear direction and there is not across our reservation and that’s equates to a $9 billion another organization or better organization to work for housing need.” the constructor then NHA - I just wanted to put that out “We (NHA) get approximately $80 – 90 million a there.” year with half of that money already reserved to help To conclude the event Former President/Chairman of maintain and operate our existing 8000 housing units the Navajo Nation Peterson Zah gave a message on the plus an additional 2,000 housing units our sub recipients ‘Importance of Housing, Family and Community’. In his also manage,” Yazzie added. “This leaves us only about message he outlines some of the challenges of housing $30-40 million, which really is just a drop in the bucket development on the Navajo Nation. when you compare it to the larger picture of need, so Following the list of speakers a brief tour of the homes Photo - Outside picture of home. we really need to support of our local membership and was made available. community official to look at making land available.” Page 6 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes

Construction activities completed/work in progress for FY2016

Oljato Housing projects: Color code 19 ND - New Development Navajo MRD - Maintenance Repair on 20 Mountain Public Rental Units 20 MOD - Modernization of 1937 Lechee Dennehoto Act Units & Relocation 1 BLACK - Scattered Home Site Kayenta 1 Inscription House

Kaibeto Shonto 10 Chilchinbito Tuba City Agency 6 Cow Springs 7 1 Gap Tonelea 2 Round Rock Bodaway 3 Rough Rock 1 Tuba City Lukachuki 20 1 Forest Black Mesa Many Farms Lake Tsaile/ 30 Chinle Agency Wheatfields Pinon Hard Tache/ Chinle Cameron Coalmine Rock Whipporwill Blue Gap Mesa 50 1 Cottonwood Nazlini 3 20 1 20 Naschitti 4 Crystal Tolani Lake 6 3 Sawmill 32 Mexican 5 1 1 Springs Low 11 Mountain Red Lake Tohatchi Bird Springs Navajo 20 18 10 Coyote Leupp Ganado Fort Defiance Canyon Kinlichee Jeddito Steamboat Window Rock Twin Lakes Cornfields 50 5 Whitecone Saint 2 1 Michaels 54 Greasewood Lower Klagetoh Teesto Greasewood 1 Oak Springs Fort Defiance Agency 1 Dilkon Wide Ruins Houck Indian Wells Lupton Sanders

1 Nahatadzil 35 15 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Page 7

Construction activities completed/work in progress for FY2016

Aneth Housing projects: Color code 2 ND - New Development 10 MRD - Maintenance Repair on Public Rental Units Sweetwater MOD - Modernization of 1937 Teec Nos Pos 2 2 Act Units & Relocation Red Mesa BLACK - Scattered Home Site Beclabito Hogback 11 Mexican 50 Water Shiprock 40 Shiprock Agency 14 Rock 2 Point Upper Red Valley Nenahnezad Fruitland 15 San Juan 100 3 Ojo 20 2 Cove Amarillo 23 1 49 Alamo Tohajiilee 20 Sanostee 10 1 Burnham Two Grey Ramah 1 Hills Satellite Navajo Areas Newcomb Pinehill Sheep 7 Springs

19 1

Huerfano

1 Eastern Agency

10 Whiterock Nagezi 20 Lake Counselor Valley Pueblo Ojo Pintado Encino Becenti 9 Dalton Pass Standing Crownpoint Whitehorse Lake 1 21 Rock Mariano Little Rock Springs Lake Water 8 Tseyatoh Pinedale 35 Iyanbito Casamero- Gallup Smith Lake Red Rock Lake 14 Thoreau Haystack Bread Springs Chichiltah 1 15 Page 8 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes

NHA, Community of Ramah holds housing dedication for 49 new homes

Photo - Inside view of staged modular home in Ramah, New Mexico Photo - Modular unit which is one of 49 completed in Ramah, New Mexico.

RAMAH, New Mexico – On Aug. 10, the Navajo added some additional housing units so now we have 49 Housing Authority and the community of Ramah, New units that are all complete.” Mexico celebrated the completion of 49 new modular “We still continue to strive for more housing, there homes. The homes in Ramah are a part of NHA’s are various places we would like to build more housing Modular Project, which consists of 170 new housing in the future,” said Jose. “We have the infrastructure, we units in 11 different subdivisions across the Navajo have water, power lines, roads now so we would like to Nation. expand on housing development through NHA.” The site in Ramah is the largest development site Development Manager for NHA Wesley Begay, Jr. has consisting of 2 and 3 bedroom units built on a lot located been on the project since the project began in 2013, adjacent to the existing subdivision. “What we wanted to do was a project based off of safety, Photo - NHA staff giving tour of Ramah “The project took approximately 10 months to quality and time, that was the guiding principles,” said unit. complete from start to finish, this includes new utility Begay. “ We wanted to set a different type of standard infrastructure, site development and finished home of how NHA does business and as you walk through the product,” said NHA Development Manager Wesley units, you’ll see a lot of different design aspects that Begay. “This is an example of how we (NHA) can explore went into these homes.” different types of construction building methods and Some of the features comparable in traditional home innovations. This allowed us to break down barriers and construction that can be found in these modular homes think outside the box to fast track the project in the most are built on permanent foundation, floors are truss efficient manner while still complying with the Housing system framed and insulated, walls are framed with 2x6’ and Urban Development’s funding requirements.” lumber, and the roof is constructed and filled with R49 The event featured an open house where attendees insulation among other features found in traditional on- were given first look at the completed homes which site construction. were beautifully staged with furniture. “These homes were built in a climate controlled Master of ceremonies and NHA’s Government facility in the dead of winter because we wanted to and Public Relations Department Director Roberta provide housing within 10 months and cut 4 months off Roberts thanked the crowd of 70 people attending the the construction time,” said Begay. “At the time it was Photo - Open House attendees are dedication, “Thank you for being here to celebrate this,” very big and ambitious for NHA to do that and now that treated to lunch. said Roberts. “I thank the community of Ramah Pinehill the homes are all done, it really has been worth it to leadership that is here, thank you for that opportunity be able to provide housing for our Navajo people and for NHA to come in and build homes in your community.” communities.” Providing a welcome address was NHA Board of Several partners of NHA were in attendance including Commissioner member Kenneth Peterson, “on behalf Loren Miller President of LAM Corporation. “This was of the NHA Board of Commissioners it gives me great a big job with 30 sites to evaluate and narrow down,” pleasure to be here to be among you at this dedication said Miller. “We looked at several companies to work of the 49 beautiful units here,” said Peterson. “I had the with and the big thing we looked at wasn’t modular opportunity to go inside one of the homes…these are construction but international residential codes. These beautiful homes in a beautiful setting.” homes aren’t the standard home trailers you see out Also attending the event was Ramah Chapter there, these houses are set on permanent foundation, President David Jose who was also given the opportunity these houses are not going anywhere.” to say a few words and give some insight on the The housing dedication concluded with a short communities involvement in the development, “This message and benediction from Willie Tracey Jr., started back about 3 -4 years ago when we started representing the NHA executive office. Other activities Photo - Outside view of Ramah unit. talking about NHA housing at the chapter,” said Jose. included a light luncheon and open house. “This was the only place where we had an open space for housing development so we planned to build about 30-35 units, but some how the planning and design team Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Page 9

NHA Board tours 40 units in Kayenta currently being constructed under NHA Public Rental program

Photo - One of the 40 units in Kayenta under NHA’s modernization program.

KAYENTA, Ariz. – On Oct. 6, the Navajo Housing public rental units which were previously located Authority Board of Commissioners had the on the project site. “The units that were on the site opportunity to tour a modernization project currently were built in the 1980’s and were outdated,” said under development in Kayenta, Ariz. The $10,850,000 Senior Development Coordinator Robert Sandoval. project, as known as AZ12-50, is a demolition and “Remediation of those structures included the rebuild of 40 public rental units. demolition and rebuild of new units which upon The project was designed by Leon Shirley completion will be up to code.” Architects and constructed by Souers Construction, Phase II began on July 10 with the construction of Inc and consists of thirty 1-bedroom units and 40 new units to be built on the existing site. ten 2-bedroom units. Other aspects of the project “We are working with Souers Construction who include new utilities, sewer main lines, streets, are experienced working with the unique FlexCrete sidewalks, and 13 pads for future development. blocks which are used throughout the exterior walls NHA Board of Commissioner member Ben Johnson of the units,” said NHA Project Manager Wesley represents the Arizona Tenants and took part in the Begay. “FlexCrete is lightweight fiber-reinforced tour. “It’s good, I think it’s (units) well put together,” aerated concrete block produced by the fly ash said Commissioner Johnson. “The council keeps which is a by-product of coal-fired electric or steam asking us where is all the construction so this is one generating plants.” of the areas that we are showcasing - this is what “The FlexCrete product, is extremely energy NHA is doing.” efficient with an R Value ranging from 19 to 24 Western Agency representative and Vice- Chair of for an 8” block, providing exceptional insulation the NHA Board Asa Begaye also took part in the tour. which in turn reduces energy consumption,” Begay “On behalf of the communities in the western added. “Other benefits of the product include; agency, specifically Kayenta, I just wanted to thank fire resistance, durable, acoustical advantages, NHA and the local community for addressing the environmentally sound, mold proof and resistance to housing need,” said Commissioner Begaye. “It’s a pests.” good feeling to see work in progress and what’s The township has been activity involved in the nice about it is that 100 percent of the 64 man work project from the design development stages and it force is Navajo with 32 workers sourced directly from has been great to coordinate with them to develop Kayenta.” homes for the Navajo People said Begay. Photo Right - Several NHA staff and board “I think that really perpetuates our efforts to As part of the project, the NHA pays a 5 percent members toured the construction site. create local employment and impact the community tax that benefits the Kayenta Township. The project is economically,” Commissioner Begaye added. scheduled for completion by Mar. 9 of 2017. The project was broken into two phases. Phase I included the demolition of 40 townhouse style Page 10 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes

AZ Million Dollar Circle of Excellence, Minority Business Development Agency

Photo Left-to-Right - Gonzalo A. de la Melena, Jr, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO; Ervin Chavez, NHA Board Chairman; Terrilynn Cook, NHA Procurement Manager; and Alika Kumar, Director, Phoenix Minority Business Development Agency Business Center. PHOENIX - For a second year in a row the Navajo Johnson & Johnson, SRP, Walmart, and Wells Fargo, with NHA and is a great resource for Navajo owned Housing Authority Procurement Department has just to name a few. The event was well attended and businesses to meet with as they provide technical been selected by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of largest event participation to date according to the assistance with business development and focus on Commerce as a recipient of the AZ Million Dollar event sponsor. small business capital and bonding,” said Cook. “The Circle of Excellence. The AZ MDCE recognizes On Nov. 15, NHA Board Chairman Ervin Chavez and services are free as they are funded by the United companies leading the way in supplier diversity by Terrilynn Cook, Procurement Manager attended an States Department of Commerce. Our relationship spending more than $1 million annually with Minority awards ceremony held during the Business Diversity with them assists NHA in identifying resources to help and Women-owned Business Enterprises in Arizona. Summit in Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix to grow our Navajo businesses to become more actively NHA was joined in recognition of this award accept the award on behalf of NHA. involved with NHA in contract awards.” along with other large companies such as Arizona “The Minority Business Development Agency has Diamondbacks, APS, Hensel Phelps, JP Morgan Chase, been a collaborative business development partner NHA holds insurance summit presentations for each of the five agencies

FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. - Last year (2016), from Oct. through Nov. the Navajo Housing Authority hosted a series of insurance summits throughout the five agencies. “The Navajo Housing Authority partnered with AMERIND Risk to provide information on homeowner and renters insurance coverage for your home,” said former NHA Risk Manager Charlotte Rieck. “The NHA encouraged any and all interested parties within the Navajo agencies to attend this regional insurance summit to obtain valuable information on homeowner & renters insurance.” During each of the summits, a representative from AMERIND Risk provided a presentation on insurance as well as provided assistance to our attendees with submitting applications for underwriting. (Photo Left) - Insurance summit presentation in Chinle, Ariz. at the Chinle Community Center (Photo Right) Insurance summit presentation at the Shiprock Youth Center in Shiprock, New Mexico. Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes Page 11

NHA, Ojo Amarillo Housing Management Office hosts 3rd Annual Youth Empowerment Conference

Pax Harvey Consulting providing Team building Activities & Presentation

CHINLE, Ariz. - The Navajo Housing Authority Ojo The purpose of the conference was to empower with the students are as follows; Kristina Bitsue, Amarillo Housing Management Office held its 3rd youth through team building and other various Housing Specialist; Lorraine Brown, Housing Annual Youth Empowerment Conference from Aug. workshops and presentation. Special guest presenter Specialist; Renita K. Lee, Housing Specialist; Charlie 2-4 at the Best Western Hotel Banquet Room in included Pax Harvey and Lyle Harvey. Bahe, Maintenance Technician; and Emerson Begay, Chinle, Ariz. Staff from the Ojo Amarillo HMO also attended Maintenance Technician.

Lyle Harvey with Bahozhoni Ravis & Shannon, National Park Service Rangers White House Trail Overlook – Consulting presenting on Identifying Yourself through K’e for Diyin Dine’ Acknowledgement Understanding Your Identity

Photo Right - Flier for distribution announcing the NHA regional insurance summit. Page 12 Housing Our Nation by Building Sustainable, Quality Homes

Instructions: Hey kids try to solve this Sudoku puzzle inside the house. The Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9x9 grid containing given clues in various places. The object is to fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear exactly once in each row, column and 3x3 box.

Winter fun ideas to do on the Navajo Nation: You may have to have an adult help you with some of these activities and as always be safe and have fun. 9 6 8 1 3

• Play in the snow 6 3 1 5 • Have a scavenger hunt. • Clean up trash at your local park. • Play shoe games. 5 8 • Visit the new museum trails • Winterize your home. • Make soup/stew with mom. 7 5 4 • Visit a Navajo Tribal Park. • Random act of kindness. • Have a family game night. 8 4 • Make hot chocolate. • Boil some Navajo tea. • Paint a canvas. 4 7 9 • Buy gifts. 1 5 4 2 1 7 7 2 9 4 1