Mission

At Fundamental Needs, we partner with underserved communities in the United States to address critical gaps in access to clean drinking water, electricity, education, and vocational opportunities. By combining community-led approaches with practical solutions, we empower individuals and families to overcome systemic barriers and create lasting change.

 

The Problem

Across the Navajo Nation and rural Colorado, including Montezuma County and the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, families face intertwined challenges that significantly impact their health, education, and economic opportunities.

Navajo Nation:

• Water Crisis:

  • Over 30% of homes lack running water, forcing families to haul water from agricultural wells or chapter houses. This task takes up to four hours daily and costs between $10–15 per day, placing a financial burden on families already living in poverty.

  • Many homes are excluded from infrastructure development due to the Navajo Nation's homesite lease system, which designates land for residents but can delay or prevent access to utilities.

  • Limited water access exacerbates hygiene challenges, increasing risks of waterborne illnesses and limiting sanitation practices during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Electricity Deficiency:

  • 14,000 homes—representing 75% of all U.S. households without power—are located on the Navajo Nation.

• Youth Disadvantage:

  • Less than 70% of Navajo (Diné) students graduate high school, and 40% of children live in poverty. These systemic inequities reduce opportunities for future economic mobility.

Rural Colorado (Montezuma County and Ute Mountain Ute Reservation):

• Economic Disparities:

  • Montezuma County: The median household income is $50,805, significantly below the Colorado average of $72,331. The poverty rate is 16.3%.

  • Ute Mountain Ute Reservation: Estimated poverty rate of 27%, with limited infrastructure and opportunities for economic advancement.

• Educational Challenges:

  • At Southwest Open High School (SWOS), 73% of students are economically disadvantaged, and only 10% are proficient in math and reading.

• Job Growth and Opportunities:

  • Both regions face stagnant job growth, with limited access to vocational training, technology, and entrepreneurial resources.

 

Our Solution

 

1. Oasis Project

• Infrastructure Solutions:

  • Install off-grid systems combining 2,000-watt-hour battery banks and 500-watt solar panels with 550-gallon water tanks, solar-powered pumps, tankless water heaters, and greywater gardens. These off-grid water systems provide consistent access to clean water and electricity for homes without infrastructure access.

  • Deliver water to 30 elders monthly, ensuring consistent access for the most vulnerable.

• Vocational Training and Employment:

  • The Oasis Project operates on a teach/train/hire model, empowering high school students through education and employment:

    • Teach: Equip students with foundational knowledge in plumbing, solar installation, and water system maintenance.

    • Train: Provide hands-on training where students actively participate in the installation of water and solar systems in their communities.

    • Hire: Employ trained students for paid positions within the project, ensuring continued skill development and providing income opportunities.

  • In 2024, 15 students from Rock Point Community High School and 8 students from Kirtland Central High School were trained and hired to assist with installations.

• Certificate Programs (coming in 2025):

  • Partnering with Fort Lewis College, we will offer certifications that provide students and community members with industry-recognized credentials:

    • NABCEP PV Associates credential for solar energy.

    • Water certifications covering filtration, purification, and maintenance.

    • Micro-credentials in water/wastewater operations and management.

• Scalable Expansion:

  • Collaborate with local Chapter Houses to identify homes most in need and streamline deployment.

  • Partnering with local high schools, a comprehensive instruction manual, and a streamlined process enables us to rapidly scale to new communities as funding becomes available.

 

2. Cortez Makerspace (coming in 2025)

• Workforce Development:

  • Provide certifications in high-demand trades, including plumbing, electrical systems, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and other fields tailored to address local workforce needs in collaboration with Fort Lewis College, Pueblo Community College STEM Program, and the Southwest Education Collaborative.

• Trades and Technology Education:

  • Offer access to professional-grade tools and hands-on training for trades such as woodworking, metalworking, and 3D printing. This prepares participants for employment in local industries or entrepreneurial ventures.

• Community Engagement:

  • Host workshops, mentorship programs, and field trips for local schools and communities, including the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation and the broader Montezuma County.

 

 

3. Youth Entrepreneurship Program at SWOS

• Inspiration and Lifelong Skills:

  • Teach students to identify community challenges and create entrepreneurial solutions. Students learn professional skills like networking, market research, project management, and financial literacy.

• Hands-On Learning:

  • Students develop detailed business plans, conduct customer surveys, and pitch their ideas in shark tank-style competitions, engaging with local mentors and business leaders.

• Real-World Application:

  • The program empowers students to uplift their communities and create sustainable businesses by focusing on ventures that address local issues.

• Additional Training Programs:

  • Offer training in business fundamentals, leadership development, and financial literacy through partnerships with the Montezuma Leadership Network.