CARBON-MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY. BASIC AWARENESS AND MONITORING CAN PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND HOME SAFETY.

Carbon monoxide or CO is an invisible and odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is burned, including coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. This gas can come from sources such as oil furnaces, water heaters, space heaters, dryers, barbecue grills, car exhaust fumes, wood-burning stoves, gas ovens, and fireplaces. The threat of CO poisoning or death arises if any fuel-burning appliances malfunction.
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It is important to note that every year, about 170 people die from CO production in the United States alone (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, n.d.). The effects of carbon monoxide can cause damage to the lungs and heart if inhaled. Initial symptoms of CO exposure present as headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. In severe cases, symptoms may progress to mental confusion, vomiting, loss of muscular function, unconsciousness, and even death. Those who are most at risk of long-term effects of carbon monoxide poisoning are children and the elderly.

Investing in a carbon monoxide detector is the first step towards reducing health risks related to CO. When installing a CO detector, it is crucial to check for a manual to fully understand how to operate the detector and ensure it is properly set up. The detector should be placed in an open area that is not covered by furniture or drapes and not near fuel-burning appliances. It is also recommended to test the batteries every few months and avoid using fuel-burning devices inside the house or being in a car, truck, or motorcycle in an enclosed area.
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If the CO detector goes off, the next steps to ensure safety are to go outside for fresh air, call emergency services, check to see if all persons are accounted for, and refrain from using the fuel-burning appliance that caused the issue until it has been properly fixed by a trained professional. Although there are many things to look out for, all of the steps are necessary to keep not only yourself but also others safe.

"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."​

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,

​Joe Seidenberg
Executive Director 

'Since we’ve grown our Direct Solutions program, which provides a limited budget for home repair materials for families across both Hopi and Navajo, we’ve seen a huge increase in the number of calls and applications. It’s been exciting but it’s also been a lot! Remembering the big picture is essential for me when I get overwhelmed with the amount of demand we are facing, or the amount of calls that come in during the day. People are facing a lot, and this is our way of doing something immediately, of meeting immediate need. The growing of the Direct Solutions program is intended to be that, and in so many ways it is succeeding.

​'Acknowledging and celebrating that re-centers me.
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'Despite the struggles, we are doing so much good work. I mean, we are really doing SO MUCH, reaching so many homes. And sometimes, in the constant drive to do more, we don’t always take the time to stop and spotlight and celebrate what we are doing, which is so important. Because we are reaching a lot of people. When you are as dedicated as we are to trying to help and to serve, it can be overwhelming to come in in the mornings and just see ‘Oh, I have 30 missed calls and 50 new emails’ but the power is in realizing that these are all people we are reaching and people that will be helped.

'I’m a big believer in stopping to recognize accomplishments and celebrate them. The truth is that Red Feather has grown a lot and is doing amazing work, so let’s acknowledge and get joy out of that too, while also recognizing that of course there will always be more work to do.

Red Feather is hiring a full-time (40 hours per week) Construction Project Manager (CM) based in Flagstaff, Arizona. The position requires frequent travel (50-70% of scheduled hours) to work sites across the Hopi and Navajo Nations. The CM will report to the Red Feather Executive Director and will work closely with the other staff members, government agencies, subcontractors, homeowners, and community partners.