By Isabela Gamez
Primavera Foundation
Zack Atherton, an Arizona State University graduate and former marketing and PR professional, is preparing to take a major step toward independence, moving into his own apartment after his time at the Primavera Men’s Shelter.
Zack grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and after college, launched a promising career in marketing and public relations. He worked for several movie studios, traveled the world coordinating corporate meetings, and spent five years working at a nonprofit. Despite this professional success, Zack faced personal struggles that eventually led him to substance use and homelessness.
Previous rehab attempts hadn’t worked for Zack, so he relocated to Tucson to start fresh. But the path forward was far from easy. After leaving a rehab program after just a month, he found himself living on the streets. Without a phone, computer, or stable place to stay, he camped near the main library in downtown Tucson. It was only after a Google search that he discovered The Primavera Foundation and he soon found himself camping outside the men’s shelter, hoping for a chance at a new beginning.
“I went from rehab to the streets, I didn’t have the capacity to look for a job, I had no phone, no computer,” Atherton said.
It was at Primavera that Zack began to find what had been missing: safety, stability, and community. “I didn’t have safety and security until I got here,” Atherton said. “And one thing I realized is when you have that building block, you are able to do everything else. They were like a family support system,” he added.
While living at the shelter, Zack took concrete steps to rebuild his life. He received help with his resume and job applications, often returning from interviews in tears, but finding encouragement from staff.
“They picked me up and told me, ‘It’s okay, there’ll be another opportunity,’” he recalls. “It was moments like that which really helped me navigate this whole being homeless situation.”
A pivotal figure in his journey was his caseworker. She noticed Zack sleeping outside and decided to take action.
“She saw me and said, ‘I see you. You don’t belong on the streets. Here’s my card, we need to get you in here,’” Atherton said. Her support, along with that of the entire Primavera team, gave him the tools he needed to regain stability.
Before securing a job, Zack relied on Primavera Works, a program that provides temporary work for residents while they search for permanent employment. “Every morning I would wake up at 5, go over there, see if I got sent out, just to try and get some income,” Atherton said. “Mary and the team gave me a phone, helped me with paperwork, reviewed my resume, and provided support every step of the way. For someone who had nobody, it was life-changing.”
Today, Zack is preparing to move into his own apartment, a milestone that represents more than just a place to live. It symbolizes independence, stability, and the start of a new chapter in his life.
Reflecting on his journey, Zack shared, “Primavera has been the family that I’ve been missing… The staff here cares and as your mission statement says, co-creating pathways out of poverty. You guys have done that.”
Zack’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of support and community for those experiencing homelessness. With the right resources and encouragement, even the most difficult circumstances can lead to new beginnings.