Emergence: 2021 Annual Report Letter from the Executive Director

2021 Annual Report: EMERGENCE
Letter From the Executive Director 

Full 2021 Annual Report

"We have witnessed the emergence of the human spirit and collective action that said we would not stand idly by and allow hardship to tear us down.  At Red Feather, we have witnessed the emergence of our programs, which now reach more people than in any years past."​

Joe Seidenberg, Executive Director

COVID has brought death, division, and disruption across the entire world.  It has left a deep and lasting wound that will not quickly go away, especially for those who have lost loved ones, struggled with long-lasting physical ailments, or suffered economically. 

If you have followed our work and national media coverage, you know how deeply the pandemic has affected our partner communities. Sadly, this is another chapter in the centuries of hardships they have endured.  Without a lengthy narration about the impacts of colonialism and the vastitudes of continued oppression, one may ask when their suffering will be enough.

However, if we maintain such a perspective, we miss our chance to highlight the Hopi and Navajo people's incredible innovation, fortitude, and spirit.  Call it cliché, but without sadness, we cannot know happiness; without darkness, we cannot know light.  That is why we have chosen emergence as the theme for this year’s annual report.   Since the pandemic’s beginning, we have witnessed the emergence of governments, community groups, nonprofits, and individuals delivering millions of dollars in supplies and services to those in need across our partner communities. We have witnessed the emergence of the human spirit and collective action that said we would not stand idly by and allow hardship to tear us down. 

At Red Feather, we have witnessed the emergence of our programs, which now reach more people than in any years past.  Increased financial support has allowed us to invest in organizational systems to improve the effectiveness of our programs and ensure we are making sound investments in our work.  We are also leveraging our growing reputation of integrity and expertise to gather in solidarity with partners to collectively develop and deploy strategies for resolving locally identified housing needs.

​ As we look to the future, we remain optimistic and hopeful that our partner communities and organizations will continue to emerge from the challenges that weigh us down.  We continue to uphold Red Feather’s vision of a healthy world as an emerging model for others to follow--a world where affordable and safe housing is available to all and where we are all inspired to work collectively to create self-sustaining communities. We hope you enjoy reading about the success of our efforts and extend our sincerest appreciation for the continued trust and support in our work.  

From our house to yours,

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​Joe Seidenberg
Executive Director 

full 2021 Annual Report