MARIANO LAKE, N.M. — On June 26, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited two families in the Mariano Lake Chapter who recently received homes through the Community Housing and Infrastructure Department (CHID), celebrating an important milestone and witnessing firsthand the life-changing impact that safe, quality housing is having on Navajo families.
During the visits, President Nygren met with each family inside their new homes, listening as they shared their journeys to homeownership and the significance of finally having a place to call their own.
The Mariano Lake Chapter played a vital role throughout the housing process by conducting housing assessments, assisting with homesite leases, identifying families with the greatest needs, and prioritizing applicants. The chapter worked closely with its Community Land Use Planning Committee, local officials, and the CHID ARPA housing project to help make these homes a reality.
One of the families, a household of six, had been doing everything they could to get by while living in a deteriorated trailer. Despite difficult circumstances and limited employment opportunities in the area, they remained committed to providing for their family while waiting for the opportunity to receive permanent housing.
“They were trying to do what they could do for themselves as a family,” said Mariano Lake Chapter Coordinator Leandra James. “It’s tough out here because there aren’t many jobs, but this home will make a tremendous difference for their health, safety, and overall well-being.”
The homeowner expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I don’t have to worry about my family struggling. It feels like I was given a second chance.”
President Nygren also visited another homeowner whose journey to homeownership was marked by personal loss. During the housing process, she lost her husband, who had been looking forward to moving into their new home but passed away before seeing it completed. Despite the hardship, she remained hopeful knowing she would have a safe place to live. Her home has since been connected to electricity, reflecting the administration’s continued efforts to expand essential utility services across the Navajo Nation. Under the Nygren Administration, more than 2,000 Navajo families have been connected to electricity, allowing more families to fully utilize their homes.
“Every home we deliver represents a family whose future has changed for the better,” said President Nygren. “These visits remind us that housing is about creating opportunities, strengthening families, and giving our people a safe place to call home.”
Under the Nygren Administration, more than $100 million has been allocated through CHID and the Housing Improvement Program to increase housing opportunities for Navajo families. The administration continues working alongside NTUA, NECA, contractors, local chapters, and community partners to complete utility connections and ensure families can fully move into safe, modern homes.
