First Peoples Covid Resource Drive
As seen on ABC 15: https://youtu.be/pOrqgvXiPKw
Tribal Nations Need Your Help!
COVID-19 has become widespread on Tribal lands. Especially hard hit is the Navajo Nation, a reservation which mainly spans Arizona, as well as Utah and New Mexico. People on the Navajo Nation are in absolute dire need of more food and goods to ensure their well-being, especially the elderly and youth.
There are mandatory travel restrictions in place on the Navajo Nation, and groups of people/volunteers are not allowed to just show up to deliver food/goods; it needs an organized effort so as not to increase risk to an already vulnerable community.
So many have reached out to ask what they can do. It is for these reasons Kari McCormick of Wenaha Group, Darryl Sam of Sam Construction, NABEDC & Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and many others orchestrated a full-scale donation drive event and fully involving the local community is key.
We are holding a Donation Drive to purchase and deliver supplies to those most in need. Working with the Navajo Housing Authority (NHA) to provide a centralized warehouse in Fort Defiance, our donations will be collected, inventoried and then directly taken to the most vulnerable and at-risk communities. NHA will be utilizing a newly developed Community Needs Assessment Tool to assess the needs of individuals and families, especially in rural areas, and get the needed supplies directly to those homes. The program will allow follow-up and oversight for any ongoing needs. Currently they have identified 649 elderly living in Navajo Nation public rental or homeownership units who need our help. Your cash donations will allow us to purchase supplies in bulk and get them to those who need it the most, with NO bureaucratic red-tape. Additional Funds & donations may be used for other SW Tribes and Pueblos as need.
For those who would like to donate supplies rather than cash donations we will be holding a collection drive May 7th 7:00 am to 11 am at the following locations:
Metrocenter Mall | 9617 N Metro Parkway, Phoenix (Near Sears)
Native American Fatherhood & Families Association | 460 N Mesa Dr, Suite 115, Mesa, AZ
ASU Lot | 59 South Packard Dr., Tempe (Stadium Parking)
Or donations can be dropped off anytime (8am-4pm) April 27th-May 6th at Dose Moving & Storage 2550 E. Mohawk Ln., Ste 190 Phoenix, AZ 85050.
DONATIONS NEEDED:
(Any monies donated will go directly to purchase the following items)
Non-perishable foods (must be in original containers)
Cleaning Supplies
Personal Hygiene Supplies
Toiletries
Paper Products
Baby Necessities; formula, diapers, wipes
Pet Food
Water bottles
Masks (N95, surgical grade, disposable and cloth/fabric)
Non-Latex Gloves
Hand sanitizers and alcohol wipes
There is also a need at the Miyamura Covid-19 Alternative Care Facility which is a high school in Gallup, NM that has been converted to a care facility and needs donations.
Here is the wish list for Miyamura:
Washable long-sleeve hospital gowns
Shower slippers/flip flops - all sizes
Padlocks (60)
Stationary items: sharpies, 2 hole punch, notebooks, folders, dry erase markers
Night stand or Fold out TV trays for bed sides (60)
Art supplies for patients
Command wall hooks
New cell phone chargers
If you can help with any donations anything will be appreciated. We also have volunteers who are willing to pick up any donations.
For more information or to volunteer please visit: https://mailchi.mp/3c986b9251de/1stpeopleresourcedrive.