WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley visited the homesite of Navajo veteran John Draper, 61, on Dec. 10. Draper will finally receive a new home after waiting 15 years on the housing waitlist.
“It was a heartfelt and joyful visit with our Navajo veteran who has been waiting for over a decade to receive assistance through the Veterans Housing Program,” Curley said. “The veterans in my region go above and beyond to work together, pass resolutions, and secure resources to help one another. It’s amazing to see how well they work together.”
Draper, a U.S. Army veteran, shared with Curley that he is currently homeless and living in the living area of a dilapidated mobile home. He expressed his gratitude to the Many Farms Chapter Veterans for their collective efforts in clearing the land for his new homesite.
He also mentioned that some local veterans had voluntarily asked to be placed lower on the housing list to help expedite his application.
Jacqueline Begaye, Secretary and Treasurer of the Many Farms Chapter Veterans Organization, praised the collaborative spirit among area veterans.
“Our veterans do an excellent job of working together to help each other,” Begaye said. “We’re thankful for Speaker Curley’s leadership in making these housing opportunities a reality.”
Begaye acknowledged the support Curley has provided in bringing resources to the area.
“She’s been incredibly supportive of our veterans," Begaye said. "When we first started working together, I provided her with a list of veterans waiting for housing. Speaker Curley, along with her Legislative District Assistant Gabe Freeland, have been advocating on our behalf and keeping us updated during our veterans’ meetings. We truly appreciate their ongoing efforts."
Begaye also shared that three more veterans in the Many Farms area, all currently homeless, will soon receive homes through the program. The funding for these homes comes from $50 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated to the Veterans Housing Program. This funding supports long-term housing security efforts for veterans in need.
“Today, we also spoke with another veteran who has been waiting for a home since returning from Vietnam,” Curley said. “Many of our veterans are aging and facing homelessness before receiving the support they deserve. These men and women have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom, and they shouldn’t have to live without a stable home.”
