In the 14th century the Hisat’sinom people, ancestors of the Hopis, found themselves on the sandy slopes of a rich flood plain while on their migration north. This beautiful location in the Little Colorado River Valley was so compelling that the people stayed and established a community they called Homolovi—“Place of the Little Hills”.
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010, within a few miles of the site of that ancient community, Winslow city and community representatives joined with federal officials to announce the funding of $15,154,000 in direct and guaranteed loans for the Little Colorado Medical Center (Winslow Hospital) expansion.
Mayor Robin Boyd and Hospital CEO Jeff Hamblen accepted a ceremonial check from Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick and USDA Rural Development Arizona State Director Alan Stephens. The funds will be used to purchase the newly constructed medical clinic and renovate existing hospital space.
The project saved 60 jobs and created six new ones. Thirty additional jobs will be created during construction.
Seven centuries after the first smitten settlers established a village in Homolovi, community leaders continue to work together to make their “Place of the Little Hills” a better place to live. To find out how USDA Rural Development funding can improve the quality of life in your community click here.