Primavera and City of South Tucson receive a combined $1.1 million for Community & Housing Revitalization Project |
U.S. Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, D-Arizona, has secured $1.1 million in federal funds for the City of South Tucson and Primavera Foundation as part of a $11.9 million 15-community projects across the 7th Congressional District of Arizona as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations process. “These federal investments will aid in the development and improvement of critical infrastructure and services across southern Arizona," Grijalva said. "Since community funding projects were reinstated, we’ve brought more than $47.6 million back to southern Arizona."
If approved in the U.S. Senate, the funds will support Primavera's Paradise Motel and Community and Housing Revitalization Project.
"We are so very thankful for Congressman Grijalva’s consideration and advocacy for the project," said Primavera Foundation CEO Tisha R. Tallman. "He continues to be an amazing ambassador for southern Arizona communities with a recognized need. We are eternally grateful for his tireless leadership.”
"In a community with 35.5% of its population below 100% of the poverty level, home revitalization may be the difference between residents staying in their homes or being displaced for inability make repairs, Tallman added. "In addition, the Paradise Motel renovations will provide needed short-term stays for individuals and families, filling a gap that may otherwise lead to stays on the streets." Grijalva said he was proud to have secured this funding and will continue to fight for resources for communities in southern Arizona to grow and thrive. The City of South Tucson expressed gratitude for the support.
“We are very thankful and appreciative to Congressman Raul Grijalva for supporting this application," said Veronica Moreno, city manager of the City of South Tucson. "Congressman Grijalva’s dedication to marginalized communities is at the forefront of one of his many endeavors toward a better quality of life for all Arizonans." |
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Primavera builds connections: county supervisors visit |
Primavera leadership and staff hosted Pima County Supervisors Dr. Sylvia Lee (District 3) and Rex Scott (District 1) to a tour of Primavera Properties in June. Lee and Scott visited several Primavera properties, including the Primavera Training Center, Primavera Works, the Men’s Shelter, 5 Points, Las Abuelitas Family Housing and Community Center, the Resource Center, and Alamo Apartments.
Supervisors met with CEO Tisha Tallman, Chief Asset and Property Management Officer Brian McGrath, Chief Community Resilience Officer Tamara Prime, Primavera Works Director Karen Caldwell and Public Policy Advocate Anna Rojo Keene. "We really value our elected officials' interest in our work and know that any first-hand knowledge and experience they acquire through these tours strengthens our collective ability to build community," Prime said.
The supervisors expressed interest in Primavera’s emergency services, GED program, workforce development, and affordable housing programs. The discussion included a recap of the county’s efforts to alleviate homelessness within their Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions and how Primavera can help move their efforts forward. |
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Primavera receives 'Exemplary' rating from NeighborWorks America |
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Primavera has once again been ranked 'Exemplary,' the highest mark possible, in the latest assessment from NeighborWorks America (NWA), a congressionally chartered nonprofit that supports community development nationwide. This ranking, determined through NeighborWorks America's Organizational Health Tracking System, is awarded every 36 months to recognize the health and success of Chartered Network Organizations.
The review found Primavera to exceed expectations in all categories including Production and Program Services, Financial Management, Resource Management, and Organizational Management and Board Governance. The ranking represents Primavera’s commitment and achievement in community development.
The NWA found that Primavera represented $17 million in community investment from 2021-2023. During this period, Primavera successfully created 30 new homeowners and managed or rented 261 homes annually. The review indicated little or no risk to Primavera’s Resource Management and Financial Management.
This ranking represents Primavera’s success since 2022 and its commitment to continue to create affordable and sustainable housing. |
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Three staff members elected to TPCH Continuum of Care Board and committees |
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Three Primavera staff were elected to the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH) Continuum of Care (CoC) Board and several of its committees in June.
Primavera Foundation Quality Assurance Officer Paula Dwornicki was elected as a new member of the board. She joins Senior Director of Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (HIP) Danell Jessup, who joined the board in 2023.
Primavera staff also joined several TPCH committees. Director of Outreach Services Randi Arnett joined the CoC Program Grant Committee. Dwornicki and Data Management Officer and CEO Assistant Michael Macrie-Schuck joined the System Performance Evaluation Committee.
"We are thrilled that additional Primavera staff are joining the TPCH board and its various committees," said Primavera CEO Tisha Tallman. "The work of the TPCH is critical to organizations like ours and the communities we serve." |
Primavera receives a new $383,240 grant for prevention efforts from the Arizona Department of Housing | Primavera Foundation has received a $383,240 grant from the Arizona Department of Housing to further the reach of existing homelessness prevention efforts for Primavera and the communities it serves.
The "Preventing Housing Insecurity Flexible Funds" can be used for costs to help prevent homelessness and maintain housing such as car repairs, rent, security deposits, or relocation to another community where housing has been confirmed. Each household can be served once for a maximum of $2,000. Preference will be given to participants located in the City of South Tucson.
“We are thankful that the Arizona Department of Housing recognized the tremendous need for homelessness prevention assistance in our community," said Primavera Senior Director of Homelessness Intervention and Prevention (HIP) Programs Danell Jessup. "We are excited to play a part in meeting this need.”
Jessup says she anticipates using the funds for income-eligible, current, or future Primavera participants, or people in need visiting the HIP drop-in center. She estimates the funds will be available by Aug. 1. |
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Primavera receives a new $200,000 Arizona Housing Fund grant to begin renovations on the Paradise Motel |
Primavera Foundation has received a $200,000 Arizona Housing Fund grant to pay for a portion of Phase One renovations on the Paradise Motel in South Tucson. The $2.3 million purchase was funded by a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Family Fund. The remainder of the Bezos grant will be used over the next four years for programming and services at the motel.
The motel already has kitchenettes in each unit, making the property ideal for conversion to affordable housing.
"This gift will allow us to immediately begin our Phase I renovations, allowing us to get individuals and families into short-term stays more quickly," said Primavera CEO Tisha Tallman. "With an estimated deficit of 29,000 units in Tucson for extremely low and low-income individuals, this will make a significant contribution in this part of the state towards meeting needs. We are so very thankful for this opportunity through the largesse of the Arizona Housing Fund grant.”
The iconic motel, built in 1938 and which Primavera purchased in April, will expand Primavera’s temporary housing by 41 units. Once renovations are complete, the Paradise Motel will offer 30 units for families and 11 for individuals. Some units are equipped with kitchenettes; others have refrigerators and microwave ovens. Temporary residents will have access to the full range of resources and programming available to all Primavera participants.
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Primavera hosts convening to discuss areas of opportunity within affordable housing and homeownership |
Primavera Foundation staff and representatives from several Tucson and Pima County organizations held a convening earlier this month to discuss opportunities in affordable housing and home ownership.
Opportunities included advocating for state-funded Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified housing counselors, expanding homebuyer education efforts, and building a bridge between affordable housing and homeownership. Primavera Foundation Director of Homeownership Celia Mendivil emphasized the need for providing support and preparation to Tucson homebuyers.
"When is the best time for someone to buy a house?" Mendivil asked. "Whenever they're ready."
Family Housing Resources Executive Director Meghan Heddings said one key piece of information that is needed is long-term data and analysis regarding local efforts to improve homebuyer education.
She added that HUD data has shown foreclosure rates to be "significantly lower" when the buyer has had access to financial education materials before purchasing.
Family Housing Resources has partnered with Southern Arizona Land Trust to build small, affordable developments as one way to increase options, Heddings said.
Education is a key piece to increasing options for community members, said Maggie Amado-Tellez, Director of Pima County Community Land Trust.
"You do not start that journey to homeownership when you see that 'For Sale' sign on a house," she said. "You start by educating yourself first." |
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Listen to Primavera Platicas Podcast's latest episode |
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Episode 8 with Jennie Grabel
Join us for a conversation with Primavera CEO Tisha Tallman and Jennie Grabel, interim CEO of Social Venture Partners (SVP) Tucson. Grabel brought Fast Pitch to Tucson and is currently leading the 2-Gen approach, which recognizes family units in the promotion of positive, pragmatic, and effective outcomes. | |
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Episode 9 with Dr. Sylvia Lee
Join Primavera CEO Tisha Tallman and Pima County Supervisor Dr. Sylvia Lee, of District 3. District 3 comprises 7,278 square miles that include all of western Pima County and shares more than 130 miles of international border with Mexico. | |
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Each episodes is available via YouTube and Spotify at the buttons to the right: |
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Check out the recent coverage on Primavera’s initiatives, new challenges - like increasing rents and loss of community - and Cooks! summer dining series from local news organizations like Arizona Daily Star, KGUN9, and more! Have you missed past coverage? Visit our In the News page.
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Get your Primavera Cooks! tickets to Tavolino Ristorante Italiano today! |
Primavera invites you to one of its last Cooks! dinners of the 2024 season at Tavolino on Aug. 14! Gather your friends and family and join us for a night of great food prepared by Chef Massimo Tenino and our apprentice chefs! Your participation supports our mission of co-creating pathways out of poverty in our community! Click the button below to purchase tickets. Check out the videos below to learn more about Primavera Cooks! |
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Upcoming Events: Golf Tournament and 5K Walk Run |
Get your tickets now to Primavera's inaugural golf tournament on September 15, 2024, at Omni Tucson National Resort's Sonoran Course!
Join us for a day of community on the greens while supporting Primavera's goal to increase emergency housing for women and families.
Primavera also invites you to participate in its first 5K Walk Run, a partnership with "Tucson's Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks," on Nov. 10 at Catalina State Park. The event will benefit Primavera's Project Action for Veterans. Registration for the event is now open at everyoneruns.net.
Walkers and runners may make donations towards Primavera at https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/AZ/Tucson/CSPVetsdaytrailracesand5kroadrun. Whatever amount is raised, Everyone Runs will match up to $1,500. Keep an eye out for updates and correspondence about all Primavera events throughout the year.
Visit primavera.org to purchase tickets or to sponsor our summer dining series, our golf outing or our 5K Walk Run. Or click on the buttons below. |
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Percentage nights coming up in September! |
Throughout September, local businesses are teaming up with the Primavera Foundation to support its mission. On selected nights at the restaurants below, a portion of proceeds from participating businesses will be donated to Primavera programs and services. Make sure to bring the flyer digitally or printed (clicking on the buttons below) when you order. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you and your friends and family at our Percentage Nights!
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Mod Pizza Sept. 3, 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. 3460 S Kino Pkwy, Ste 110. |
| Panda Express Sept. 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 1303 E University Blvd. |
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Chipotle Sept. 4, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. 905 E University Blvd Ste 149. |
| BJ's Sept. 10, 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. 5510 E Broadway Blvd. |
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Rubio's Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 3421 E Broadway Blvd Ste 101. |
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In July, we commemorate and acknowledge . . . |
Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the U.S. that celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence declared the 13 American colonies to be free and independent states, no longer under British rule. Source: The Fort Morgan Times |
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Make a Difference: Volunteer with Primavera |
🌟 Summer calls for spreading warmth and compassion! ☀️ Primavera is on the lookout for volunteers who want to make a difference in their community. From their men's and women's shelters to their drop-in center, there's a place for everyone to contribute! 🏠✨ Whether you prefer direct interaction, working behind the scenes, or cooking up a meal on a meal team, they will welcome you with open arms. 💖 Step up, lend a hand, and help create a summer of meaningful connections and positive change together! 🤝
Visit the Volunteer page on their website or contact their Volunteer Coordinator Eric Cross at ecross@primavera.org to get involved! |
Primavera Cooling Center needs you! |
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| As the thermometer rises this summer, it is important to remember those experiencing homelessness.
The Primavera Foundation is seeking donations of water bottles/Gatorade, hats, reusable bottles, sunscreens, cooling cloths, battery-operated fans, and more for our friends at the Homelessness Intervention & Prevention Drop-In Center and shelters!
For information on how to donate in-kind items, contact Eric Cross at ecross@primavera.org. |
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Need yard help? Hire Primavera Works! |
Get a FREE estimate from Primavera Works! Primavera Works offers supervised crews for yard maintenance and water harvesting, and individual workers for general labor, moving, landscaping, construction cleanup, janitorial and more!
All these services are available for residential and business needs. If you are interested in hiring Primavera Works please contact us to discuss your project at (520) 882-9668 or visit our website. When you hire Primavera Works, you support men and women in their pathways out of poverty. |
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Follow Primavera's social accounts clicking on the links below! |
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Give a Gift / Volunteer with Us! |
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Stay up-to-date with current activities and future events by following us on your favorite social media channels. |
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The Primavera Foundation is co-creating pathways out of poverty through housing, workforce development, homeownership and financial education, and community building and engagement. |
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