Navy volunteers build housing for homeless on reservation

GALLUP, N.M. (AP) — A Navy battalion is wrapping up their second summer of volunteering to build housing for homeless in the Navajo Reservation. The Gallup Independent reports the Navy New Mexico Construction Battalion 22 or Seabees is partnered with the Southwest Indian Foundation and the Navajo Housing Authority to construct modular homes for homeless on the Navajo Reservation. Qualifying individuals only pay the monthly utility bills for the homes. Navy officials say the Seabees also benefit from the program by receiving additional training and learn construction skills that can translate into valuable life and employability skills after deployment. The Navy began working with the foundation two years ago after they were handed the opportunity by the Air Force. The program has built 261 homes for homeless on the reservation over the last 20 years.