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About Us

Exhibiting Compassion in Every Endeavor

The Contagious Compassion Campaign is an empowerment initiative created by Chashah Monastery, founded by Kahan Azzami. This initiative was inspired by his Chashah Bet Ezra'El Ethiopian heritage and the struggles of indigenous peoples worldwide, Kahan Azzami is committed to preserving indigenous cultural identity addressing systemic inequities to empower marginalized communities.  

 

Our roots lie in the Ethiopian heritage of our founder, who understands firsthand the challenges

of cultural loss and assimilation. Inspired by his own journey of rediscovering his heritage, Kahan Azzami has committed to supporting other indigenous peoples, particularly the Navajo (Diné) in rural New Mexico.

 

We focus on empowering Navajo (Diné) youth and families in rural New Mexico, many of whom

face extreme poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. Through culturally resonant programs that provide job readiness training, mentorship, entrepreneurship opportunities and pathways

to  economic self-sufficiency. We believe in the power of community-driven solutions to combat homelessness, food insecurity, unemployment and wealth disparities.

Mission

To empower marginalized Navajo communities through economic development, cultural preservation, and transitional support while addressing systemic inequities in housing, employment, and education.

The Vision

A future where Navajo youth thrive in sustainable communities with equitable access to opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage.

Purpose

We are driven by the belief that no one should be left behind. The Dine’ people, descendants of the heroic Navajo Code Talkers have faced generations of systemic injustice. Many live without running water or electricity in rural areas while struggling with homelessness and food insecurity.

 

Our purpose is to honor their resilience by creating pathways for self-sufficiency

through culturally resonant programs.

Challenges

Homelessness in New Mexico:

  • New Mexico has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the U.S., with over 3.9% of public

       school students experiencing homelessness during the 2021–2022 school year.

  • Native Americans are disproportionately affected, representing 19% of Albuquerque’s homeless

       population despite being only 4% of the general population.

 

Youth-Specific Challenges:

  • Many Navajo youth cannot rent apartments or secure jobs due to age restrictions (under 18).

  • Shelters in McKinley County are primarily gender-specific or cater to families, leaving underage

       youth with no safe options.

  • The closure of the Lexington Hotel shelter eliminated one of the few resources available for

       homeless youth in the area.

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Rural Disparities:

  • Over 35% of rural households in Northwest New Mexico face food insecurity.

  • Many Navajo families live without running water or electricity in remote areas.

 

Employment Inequities:

  • Native Americans face an unemployment rate of 10.5%, more than double the national average.

  • Hiring discrimination affects over 54% of Native Americans seeking jobs.

 

SOLUTIONS

The Contagious Compassion Movement Youth Empowerment Program operates through three main components. 

 

  • TORCH (Training Opportunities, Restoring Careers and Homes):

       A 4-week intensive job readiness program.

  • SUMMIT Ventures: A 12-week entrepreneurship program.

  • Business Pathways: Ongoing support for business launch and growth.

 

Our methodology integrates:

• Cultural preservation and indigenous knowledge

• Practical skills training

• Mentorship and community support

• Economic empowerment through the Chashah Community Currency (C3)

• Collaboration with tribal governments and local agencies

Why It Matters

Every youth deserves a chance to thrive.

 

• Many Navajo youth are forced into homelessness due to abuse, parental incarceration, or

  systemic

  neglect. They lack access to housing and employment opportunities simply because of their age.

• Without intervention, these youth are at risk of exploitation or freezing during brutal New Mexico

  winters.

 

Your support helps us provide:

• Warm meals and safe housing during training programs.

• Job readiness skills that lead to sustainable employment.

• Opportunities for entrepreneurship that create generational change.

 

How You Can Help through Donation Options

Your contribution directly impacts Navajo youth in need. Choose how you’d like to help:

 

$25 Provides Warmth - Funds meals for one participant during training.

$50 Restore Dignity - Supplies professional attire for one participant.

$100 Light the Way - Covers transportation assistance for one participant

$250 Offer Shelter -  Sponsors one week of transitional quarters during training.

$500 Empower Growth – Purchases equipment for training sessions.

$1,000 Build Futures – Help purchase property and support renovation costs for dormitories.

 

Other Ways to Support

• Donate gift cards (Walmart/Target) or essential items like coats, hats, socks, blankets, and

  hygiene kits.  
 

• Email us at outreach@chashah.fyi for shipping details or drop-off arrangements.

 

• Sponsor a Youth Dormitory: Help us furnish dorm rooms with bunk beds and essentials.

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• Volunteer Your Time: Become a mentor or assist with training sessions.

 

Our Innovative Approach

The Chashah Trade Center & Community Currency

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The Chashah Trade Center serves as a controlled marketplace where Navajo youth can launch businesses after completing our programs. Through our innovative Chashah Community Currency (C3), will:

 

  • Keep wealth circulating within local communities by encouraging trade among participants and local businesses.

  • Provide life-sustaining resources through a points-based digital system that evolves into physical currency (bills/cards).

  • Foster sustainable livelihoods while preserving cultural dignity.

 

Join Us Today

Together, we can restore dignity and create opportunities for Navajo youth facing homelessness and poverty.

© Copyright 2018-2025 Chashah Monastery Parliament, All Rights Reserved.

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