When Red Feather’s weatherization team arrived at Joanne Silversmith’s home in Tiis Soh Sikaad this May, they brought more than tools—they brought hope and comfort.

Thanks to the Weatherization Assistance Program, Joanne’s home received vital upgrades: additional insulation in the attic, window replacements, a bathroom fan, and a safer stove setup. These changes will help her stay warm this winter and reduce her reliance on wood and coal.

Her heartfelt letter of thanks to Roy Hosteen praised the crew’s professionalism and kindness—especially Roy’s culturally respectful Navajo-language inspection.

“These repairs will help me stay warm this winter,” Joanne shared. “We are building community for a better future.”

In early June, Red Feather held another DIY Women’s Tool & Home Repair Workshop in Lechee, AZ, drawing 26 women from over eight Navajo communities.

Each participant gained hands-on home repair training and built their own toolboxes from scratch! The workshop, funded by the FHLBank San Francisco AHEAD Program, emphasized self-reliance, safety, and proactive maintenance.

“Workshops like this don’t just teach skills—they build community, confidence, and long-term self-sufficiency,” said Program Lead Alex.

A big thank you to Lisa, Lena, and Eduardo from the AHEAD team for their partnership in this empowering initiative.

Since October 2024, Red Feather has led seven hands-on workshops and hosted three volunteer events, directly engaging with 179 community participants and 28 dedicated volunteers across seven Native communities. These gatherings are more than just events—they are spaces of learning, empowerment, and connection.

The success of these initiatives reflects the passion and commitment of Red Feather’s team. “These workshops would not be possible without the tireless support and coordination that every team member brings to the table,” says Alex Torgler. “I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.”

The impact is clear: over 98% of participants reported a positive experience. This high satisfaction speaks not only to the relevance of the workshops but also to the value people place on coming together to share skills, traditions, and solutions that strengthen their homes and communities.

As the momentum continues, these experiences are inspiring more individuals to engage with Red Feather’s mission—fostering community resilience through education, service, and collaboration.

Red Feather Development Group is honored to share a recent project completed in Kaibeto, Arizona, for Barbara Jean Begay, a retired teacher from the Kaibeto boarding school. This effort was made possible through the collaboration of Red Feather, the LeChee Chapter, and the invaluable support of Chapter Manager Renee Tsosie, who first brought Barbara’s urgent needs to our attention.

After an initial home visit, Red Feather and the LeChee Chapter formalized a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in which the chapter agreed to fund the project’s materials. The primary concerns were a leaking roof, an outdated woodstove, and an unsafe bathroom. Upon further assessment, however, the team also discovered that the flooring throughout the home was a major tripping hazard, particularly dangerous for Barbara’s mobility and safety.

Transforming a Home Through Partnership

Thanks to this cost-share model, the project addressed every issue identified. The team:

1. Installed new vinyl wood flooring to eliminate fall hazards.
2. Repaired the roof to stop leaks and weatherproof the home.
3. Renovated the bathroom, making it safer and more accessible.

Although Barbara’s home, a small hogan, was modest, the improvements transformed her living space. She was so inspired by the upgrades that she painted her walls a beautiful lavender color, bringing new life and energy into her home.

A Grateful Elder Speaks

In a heartfelt video message shared in Navajo, Barbara expressed her deep gratitude to Red Feather, the LeChee Chapter, and contractor NHN Morgan Construction LLC. She reflected on how, in the past, elders often received little to no home support while shouldering the responsibilities of weaving rugs and caring for livestock. This project, she said, offered her a sense of dignity and security.

Looking Ahead

Barbara now enjoys a warmer, safer home—free from roof leaks and tripping hazards. This success story demonstrates the power of community collaboration and cost-share models in addressing critical housing needs for Navajo elders.

Red Feather looks forward to building more partnerships with chapters across the Navajo Nation to continue improving the health, safety, and dignity of our elders.

🧾 Explore Our Evolving Story: Red Feather’s History Page Is Now Live

We’re excited to share that our new History Page is now live on our website—a living archive that’s still in progress and growing!

While the page is still being shaped and refined, you can already begin exploring the incredible journey of Red Feather over the past three decades. From straw bale construction and solar-powered builds to community-led workshops and cultural collaboration, this timeline will soon offer an even deeper look at the moments that defined our mission.

Stay tuned as we continue adding stories, photos, and milestones that celebrate the people and projects at the heart of our work.

🌱 Coming Soon: The Anita Young Memorial Fund

In honor of Anita Young’s legacy, Red Feather is proud to be supporting the launch of a new initiative: The Anita Young Memorial Fund. Dedicated to empowering Native families through education, resilience, and wellness, this foundation will further the work Anita championed. Stay tuned for launch details in the fall.

Anita Young co-founder of Red Feather Development Group

In 2006, Kerry stood in disbelief as volunteers built her straw bale home in just one month. The house was more than shelter — it was hope for her son, Matthew, who had recently undergone a stem cell transplant after battling leukemia twice by the age of five.

Recommended by the Community Services Administrator in Bacavi, Kerry reached out to Red Feather founder Robert Young. Moved by her story, he welcomed her into the program. “We didn’t even have power or water at first,” Kerry remembers. “But we were just happy to have a place of our own.”

The home-building process became a cultural exchange. Volunteers from across the country shared meals, learned about Hopi traditions, and formed lasting bonds. “It felt like a village,” Kerry says. “We taught them how to weave baskets, and they helped us build a future.”

Now 26, Matthew lives with Kerry and is legally blind due to complications from his transplant. He’s learning life skills through a training program and remains optimistic. “I’m just grateful he’s still here,” she says.

Kerry’s home has stood the test of time. “It’s warm, low maintenance, and built with care. We couldn’t have done it without Red Feather.”

As the organization marks 30 years, Kerry is excited about upcoming events to reconnect past volunteers and families. “It changed our lives. I’d love to see that momentum come back.”

From weatherization projects to empowering workshops and enduring homes, Red Feather continues to uplift Native communities through culturally rooted service and collaboration.

With the launch of the Anita Young Memorial Fund, a renewed focus on energy-efficient home solutions, and a celebration of our 30-year legacy, the road ahead is filled with opportunity.

Together, we build more than homes—we build futures.