Community
Native American Community Development
NAC celebrates the history and culture of Native American tribes, and supports community development projects that not only aid and strengthen individual Native Americans, but the Native American community as a whole. As a leader in the community effort to end homelessness for all, we advocate for easier access to affordable housing and healthcare.
Preserving Cultural Heritage
Music Building at the Historic Phoenix Indian School
This exciting project was a partnership between Native American Connections, the Phoenix Indian Center, LISC, and the City of Phoenix with the goal of preserving Native culture and history. The Music Building is now known as the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center and is a cultural center and gathering place, as well as a part of Native American history in Arizona, where people from the community can experience Native Foods, learn about the rich history of Phoenix Indian School and Native American people in the United States, experience Native American culture, arts, and music, as well as fun sports and cultural events.
The PISVC includes a gallery (by appointment only) as well as a rental conference space and commercial kitchen for meetings and gatherings.
The history of the Phoenix Indian School and the renovation of the music building were featured on National Public Radio.
Celebrating Our History
One of Native American Connections' greatest strengths is that it has managed to maintain the heart, soul and spirit of a grassroots community-based organization. The reasons we were founded almost 50 years ago still resonate with us, providing us with meaning and passion for our work today.
Native American Culture and Traditional Ceremonies
Available upon request, NAC may provide blessings and smudging for purification, as well as, talking circles and sweat lodge ceremonies. For more information, please contact our cultural service leaders, Dwight Francisco and Hedy Emery, at culturalservices@nativeconnections.org.
Supporting Regional Efforts to End Homelessness
Valley of the Sun United Way
Native American Connections partnered with the Valley of the Sun United Way’s Initiative to end homelessness for people in Maricopa County through the development of 1,000 units of permanent supportive housing. Through this partnership, we established both Encanto Pointe and Stepping Stone Place as housing communities that are guided by the housing first model for chronically homeless individuals.
Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care
NAC is a member of the Continuum of Care with staff participating on the Board, Committee, and workgroups. In addition, NAC participates in Coordinated Entry.
Co-Development: LaMesita at A New Leaf
Our involvement in the Valley of the Sun United Way’s Initiative continues in our partnership with A New Leaf. As co-developers, Native American Connections and A New Leaf are creating 80 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing for families. This housing community will eventually be joined by 30 permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness that are being developed by NAC and A New Leaf.