Hopi Relief

My name is Kiona Arellanes, I am one of the co-founders of Hopi Relief.  This effort was started by my brother Tom and myself as a way to bring relief to our people. We are not from the reservation but we are Hopi and have relatives who reside there. Dealing with the effects of COVID-19 has been especially difficult for many people of the Hopi nation. Compounded by a number of factors, such as a decreased ability to earn an income and limited access to basic resources, many community members are struggling to maintain their family’s livelihood while balancing safe health practices. In response to this recent crisis, the Hopi Relief Fund was established as a grassroots effort to offer assistance and relief to the people of the Hopi villages. Through this GoFundMe campaign, we are seeking financial support to purchase and deliver crucial items, such as food, personal hygiene products and water.

Located in northeastern Arizona, the Hopi reservation is over 1.5 million acres. Guided by collective values centered on caring for one another, preserving language and cultural practices, Hopi people continue to sustain their lifeway as they have for centuries. Many families are committed to a traditional lifestyle and do not have running water or electricity, and in many cases family homes are multi-generational. Facing this current situation, these factors can make it difficult for individuals to self-isolate or to adhere to some recommended best practices. With a population of approximately 20,000 registered tribal members and currently surrounded by the highest per capita rates of positive cases in the U.S., the need for resources for those most at-risk during this crisis is great. 

Our efforts have been focused on sourcing and delivering food, personal hygiene products, water and other necessities directly to the Hopi communities. We have partnered with Hopi leaders to ensure resources are used in an efficient and timely manner while also meeting the CDC recommendations of physical social distancing. With 12 villages, we are attempting to raise 10k per village where 100% of your financial support will go to purchase and deliver food, water, personal hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies and other daily necessities.  

We thank you for your generous support.  COVID-19 is still a reality that poses a serious threat on the Hopi reservation.  Due to your support and the on-going need, we have taken steps to formalize our efforts to ensure we are providing services over the long-term.  We are pleased to share that Hopi Relief is now officially a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  We hope you will continue to partner with us on this journey.  

Kwa'kwah/Asquali (Thank you)!