Primavera Celebrates NeighborWorks Week! 

By MARGARITA BAUZA

Primavera Foundation, a chartered NeighborWorks America community development organization, celebrated NeighborWorks Week June 1-8, with an information campaign about NeighborWorks support and services, and ending with a community coffee & donut gathering on Friday, June 7 at Tierra Anita Community Garden.

 

More than 240 community development organizations in urban, suburban and rural communities in the U.S., including Primavera, celebrated NeighborWorks' 45th anniversary this month in conjunction with NeighborWorks Week.

NeighborWorks provides services and programs to Primavera such as staff training and professional development through its NeighborWorks Training Institute. It also provides funding support and training for programs such as homeownership and comprehensive community development.

 

In fiscal year 2023, NeighborWorks America and the NeighborWorks network:

  • Yielded a direct investment of $9.9 billion in communities across the country.
  • Provided 428,201 total housing and counseling services.
  • Created 16,269 new homeowners.
  • Owned and/or managed 204,563 rental homes.
 

Knocking Down Barriers to Housing

By TREVOR WILLIAMSON

Primavera Foundation and representatives from several Tucson and Pima County organizations recently met to identify solutions and opportunities for collaboration to better serve the unhoused community and those struggling to find affordable housing. 

 

Most organizations in attendance shared that the main issues they deal with revolve around increasing rents, discrimination against tenants with criminal histories, and a lack of centralized resources for tracking housing availability and resources. 

 

Primavera Senior Director of Homelessness Intervention and Prevention Danell Jessup shared information on a joint initiative with the City of Tucson and Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness (TPCH). The initiative provides centralized landlord engagement training and creates maps and lists of landlords that work with non-profits to link participants to housing, allowing vouchers and payment assistance. Primavera's Project Action for Veterans and Shelter Services were also in attendance.

 

On the topic of discrimination against tenants with criminal histories, YWCA Case Manager Maria Ornelas shared that re-entry program participants face many difficulties regarding their criminal histories.

 

Jay Young, Executive Director of Southwest Fair Housing Council, reassured the group that it is illegal for landlords to enforce a blanket ban on housing felons.

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Primavera Foundation to Conduct Community Impact Measurement (CIM) Survey

By MARGARITA BAUZA

The Primavera Foundation's Community Building and Engagement team is conducting a Community Impact Measurement Survey (CIM) in the city of South Tucson this year.

 

It is the fourth time Primavera administers the survey, which takes place every three years. Using survey tools from NeighborWorks America, the CIM assesses quality of life and resident experiences in the South Tucson community. 

 

CIM neighborhood outreach is taking place over a one-month period between June 11 and July 11.

 

The CIM is used to measure changes in the community and capture data on residents' feelings of safety, community engagement, and other important topics.

 

Primavera collects and analyzes the data gleaned from this survey and compares it to those completed in 2013, 2016 and 2019 to examine trends and see where efforts to improve the target area have succeeded and where improvements are needed. 

 

The Big Fix: Pets Receive Free Spay Neuter Surgeries at Primavera

By TREVOR WILLIAMSON

Video By LUKE GIL

Friends of Pima Animal Care Center and Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) offered free spay/neuter surgeries for dogs at the Primavera Foundation Resource Center on June 4.

 

“The Big Fix” is part of Friends of PACC’s new Spay/Neuter Support project, designed to help reduce future shelter overcrowding. The Big Fix featured seven spay/neuter clinics in areas that showed need, according to PACC data. PACC veterinarians performed surgeries in the mobile medical unit, Karen’s Karing Van, and Asavet Charities. 

 

Other services included standard spay/neuter surgery, vaccines, microchip, and cones.

 

To make financial contributions towards PACC, visit https://www.friendsofpacc.org/. To contribute to Primavera's Pet Program, visit our give page at https://primavera.org/give/. To donate pet food, contact Primavera Volunteer Coordinator Eric Cross at ecross@primavera.org.

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Primavera Cooks! 2024 Season Links Sustenance Roots to Mission

By GERALDINE ESPINOSA

Video by LUKE GIL

Participants of this Primavera Cooks 2024! season have so far made or enjoyed chilled minted pea soup, butter-poached monkfish and Luxardo glazed pork belly at venues such as Studio Janos, Portal Cocktails and Feast.

 

With one dinner left in our June lineup, Kingfisher Bar and Grill will host dinners and apprentices on Sunday, June 23. A long-time partner of Primavera, Kingfisher is known for its award-winning fresh seafood, grilled meats, American cuisine and wine. This is also the only dinner with an apprenticeship space available. All dinners have dining tickets available. Don’t miss this opportunity to cook alongside some of Tucson’s finest chefs or enjoy their food!

 

The Cooks! Summer dining series embodies Primavera’s dedication to building a stronger community by raising awareness about the pressing issues of homelessness and the essential need for sustenance. To learn more about the apprenticeship experience, click on the video below.

 

For a full list of the remaining dinners and links to purchase tickets, please click on the button below:

Primavera Cooks! Tickets
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Upcoming Events: Golf Tournament and 5K Walk Run

By GERALDINE ESPINOSA

Following a jam-packed summer season, Primavera is hosting its inaugural golf tournament on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Omni Tucson National Resort's Sonoran Course! 

 

Join us for a day of community on the greens, supporting this fundraising initiative for programs and services. Primavera provides services to 8,000 people with more than 30,000 touch points a year.

 

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. The Everyone Runs’ November 10 TMC Veterans Day Half Marathon, 5.3 Mile Trail Races & 5k Road Run/Walk will take place at Catalina State Park. 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 become a sponsor.

 

Buy Golf Tournament tickets or register as a sponsor below. 

Golf Tournament Tickets
Everyone Runs Registration
 

In June, We Commemorate and Acknowledge . . .

By ANNA NGUYEN

Pride Month: Homelessness in LGBTQ+ Community 

Facts about the LGBTQ+ community and housing:

  • LGBTQ+and gender non conforming people are more likely to experience housing instability, housing discrimination and homelessness.
  • LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ youth.
  • Members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to become homeless, and once homeless, more likely to endure discrimination and harassment that extends their homelessness.
  • LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness are at particular risk. 

How can you help ensure LGBTQ+ Americans find safe and stable housing:

  • Vote: Only 23 states have laws that prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Vote and support legislation that expands these protections.
  • Increase resources for equitable housing: The need for housing is acute for LGBTQ seniors, who need housing that is accessible and close to sources of medical care.
  • Get involved: Encourage federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth are placed in supportive foster homes.
  • Provide appropriate housing. At homeless shelters, place participants in safe and appropriate shelter based upon both their gender identity and an individualized assessment.
  • Hire LGBTQ+ employees: Ensure LGBTQ individuals who are experiencing homelessness to see LGBTQ staff working at shelters, since they can provide unique understanding and inspiration.

Resources: 

  • Safe Place
  • The Trevor Project
  • Help for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness/HUD Exchange

 

Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless, HUD Exchange, The Urban Institute

 

PTSD Awareness Month

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month is observed in June to shed light on this complex mental health condition and encourage understanding, support, and access to treatment.

 

Beyond the Battlefield:

PTSD can develop after exposure to a terrifying event – whether combat, a natural disaster, a violent crime, or a serious accident. It's not limited to veterans and can affect anyone who has experienced significant trauma.

 

Find Support:

Recovery is possible. Effective treatments like psychotherapy and medication can help individuals manage symptoms and live fulfilling lives.

 

Resources: 

  • Dial a crisis hotline
  • Find a therapist
  • Resources for veterans

Sources: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Resilience

Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. It's a day filled with celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to racial justice.

 

Juneteenth festivities encompass parades, barbecues, cultural performances, and educational events. It's a time to honor the legacy of slavery, celebrate emancipation, and advocate for a more just future.

 

Thank you, Primavera Safety and Program Assistant Lucresha Pilgrim, for sharing this video on the history of Juneteenth.

 

Here are some festivities in Tucson:

Tucson Juneteenth Festival

Beyond Juneteenth at the University of Arizona

Sources: National Museum of African American History and Culture

 

Primavera In the News

By TREVOR WILLIAMSON

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.

  • KGUN9 - Adding affordable homes with transportation nearby
  • AZPM - The Buzz: Housing Roundtable Discussions 
  • Tucson Foodie - Things To Do (June 2024): Margarita Competition, Dinners & More
  • Arizona Daily Star - Primavera Cooks! Summer benefit features gourmet meals 
  • AZ Jewish Post - Youth Organizations at Handmaker Assisted Living Facility Put Together Hygiene Kits for Primavera Outreach 
 

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

By ISAAC RODRIGUEZ

As the temperature rises, it's crucial to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and accidents.

 

By staying safe and healthy, you can enjoy your summer activities more and contribute to keeping healthcare costs at bay. 

 

Preventive measures that significantly reduce the risk of accidents and illnesses include:

  • staying hydrated
  • taking breaks
  • choosing indoor activities during peak hot hours

Stay heathy and safe this summer! 

 

 

Make a Difference: Volunteer with Primavera

By GERALDINE ESPINOSA

 

🌟 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!

 

By ANNA NGUYEN

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.

 

Need Yard Help? Hire Primavera Works!

By ANNA NGUYEN

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.

Primavera Works
 

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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.