COVID-19 Response-Handwashing Program

It is hard to imagine that 30 percent of Hopi and Navajo families do not have running water in their homes.  In response to the increased need for sanitation, Red Feather discovered a do-it-yourself handwashing station developed by California-based nonprofit called LavaMaex.  The design consists of two rubber trash bins that move water via a foot pump, providing hands-free operation. The system also allows for 500 hand washings with one fill, which is quite a change for some families that previously relied on a simple basin of water that was shared collectively by household members. Initially, our strategy was to build the systems with a few staff members and as many volunteers as we could solicit.  However, we are now also teaching Hopi and Navajo community groups to build the systems themselves, to help meet demand and strengthen local capacity.   The work we have accomplished would not have been possible if were not for the generous donations of so many compassionate individuals and partnering entities.     
Results So Far:  

• 434 requests for handwashing systems
• 184 handwashing systems delivered, impacting an estimated total of 736 individuals
• 47 community members trained to build the systems themselves
• 328 volunteer hours with the generous efforts of many caring individuals
• Delivered 100 gallons of hand sanitizer, 100’s of facemasks, and numerous bottles of hand soap

Our work is not about the numbers, though.  It is about the families.  If one family can avoid the spread of Coronavirus, that is one family saved.  We thank every donor, every volunteer and every community that has contributed to the success of this program.
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“This is Harriet Honhongva-Setalla, I received one of the Hand Washing Stations, I would like to Thank You all so very much. It is a great asset to my family and myself which helps out tremendously for keeping the family sanitized and is easily accessible for all family members. We do not have running water in the home therefore the set-up is helping in conserving water keeping us safe and sanitized “Iss Askwali for considering our family”
 
“Thank you so much for the unit I received. It's very useful and we love that it is hands-free when it comes to washing your hands. ASKWALII.....😊”  Ivy Gaseoma

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