High temperatures increase the risk of heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and flooding. Emergency response times can be slow in remote Native American reservations, leaving Elders particularly vulnerable when disaster strikes. Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) supports these communities through the Navajo Relief Fund (NRF) program and its Summer Emergency Box service.

Our Program Partner, LaQuinta Y., utilized our Summer Emergency Box service to provide supplies for 75 Elders in Many Farms, a remote community in the heart of the Navajo Nation. In addition to providing meals for Elders, the center hosts health education and exercise classes for attendees. With a staff of only three people, LaQuinta and her team work tirelessly to provide meals for their Elders.

Relief during the summer is important for Elders like Edward T. and his wife, Selena, who have been married for 35 years. Their disabilities have led them to remain mostly in the home, but Edward always makes sure to participate in the local veteran’s group. As a U.S. Army veteran, Edward is proud of his service during the Vietnam War, where he served for two years.

Now living a quiet life after settling in Many Farms, Edward and Selena are grateful for the support they receive from the senior center and PWNA. Thanks to the Summer Emergency Box Service, Edward and Selena received household cleaners, nonperishable food, and personal care products, which will help them save money and stay safe during the summer. Edward said, “What you do for us is really nice. We really need stuff donated like food and supplies in this area. You are helping the citizens of the Navajo Nation.”

Providing Summer Emergency Boxes is one of the ways PWNA supports our Program Partners and the communities they serve. LaQuinta would like to tell the donors who support NRF, “Thank you. These elderlies appreciate every little thing you do for them. Sometimes they are alone most of the day while their family works. Quality time with them is good, but then the things that are donated really help them.”

Donate to NRF today to ensure we continue providing relief to Navajo citizens in the summer.