Happy 2026! 

We are starting the new year with exciting developments and with our hearts full of gratitude for unprecedented community support.

We have completed 90 days of STAR Village, the safe sleeping outdoor space for vulnerable, unhoused women that we launched in October. We have had 72 participants, with all receiving some type of service and 9 exiting to housing or shelter. We are grateful to the City of South Tucson and Old Pueblo Community Services, staff,  volunteers and donors for their incredible work and support.

Our men's shelter is full and we have seen improved outcomes this quarter with 41% exiting to work and benefits. 

This is a testament to a strong shelter program, case management, our GED program, employment opportunities through Primavera Works and the support of our local community through meal teams, in-kind donations and volunteering. The men's shelter is also currently open for Operation Deep Freeze, providing severe weather emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. We appreciate the community's support in this endeavor.

Our women's shelter is full thanks to referrals from community organizations and STAR Village referrals. Programming is strong, providing skills, education and social support to those experiencing trauma and hardship.

In-kind donations have been so voluminous that we paused donations for a few weeks to allow for room on our shelves. We will take donations again starting Jan. 26. At a recent holiday walk through at the Resource Center, staff served 105 participants, with a myriad of items distributed, including 105 blankets, 95 coats, 368 items of clothing and 874 food items. We feel tremendous support from our community. 

What's on tap for this year? Program building, expanding housing options and fundraising. We are busy applying for grants to support our important work. With some unpredictability on the federal funding front, donor support is more important than ever.

Our emergency services, which provide the majority of assistance to our participants, are heavily subsidized by donor funds. We encourage you to give, to visit, to engage with us. Come see our work, contact us regarding ways you can contribute as individuals, families and members of the community through civic organizations, congregations and school groups.

I encourage you to read through this month's newsletter. You will find success stories such as those of participants Zack Atherton and Orlando Duran. You'll also hear about the ways donor and volunteer Steven Landau is making a difference.

And finally, Sofia Smith-Gatto, our volunteer and philanthropy services specialist, has launched a new quarterly volunteer newsletter, available here. Send Sophia a note if you'd like to be added to the recipient list. 

In gratitude, 

Tisha

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.

Orlando, a U.S. Navy veteran, recently achieved a major milestone, securing his own apartment and regaining stability after transitioning from a transitional residence. When serious car troubles threatened his income from delivery work, a grant from Honor Charity and Primavera Foundation’s Project Action for Veterans ensured his vehicle was repaired, allowing him to keep working and stay on top of bills.

“This support helped me worry less about falling behind,” Orlando shared. “It allowed me to keep working, pay my bills on time, and avoid eviction, utility shutoffs, and food insecurity.”

Left to Right: Steve Landau, Officer of Project Action for Veterans Josefina Torres, COO Margarita Bauza, CEO Tisha Tallman, and Donor Connections and Philanthropy Officer Pete Corrigan

Since 2018, Steve Landau has been a steadfast supporter of The Primavera Foundation, volunteering at Casa Paloma, helping deliver meals to those in need, even during the pandemic.

As owner of Landau and Company Marketing Services and race director of Everyone Runs, Everyone Walks, Steve has also helped raise funds for Primavera’s Project Action for Veterans through community walk/runs. His dedication reminds us that lasting change comes from consistent compassion and community partnership.

You can still make a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) donation and claim it on your 2025 Arizona tax return. Donations made in 2025, or between January 1 and April 15, 2026 are eligible. 

For the 2025 tax season, you can receive up to $495 for those filing as single or $987 for those filing as married/jointly. Make your impact today and take advantage of the tax credit!

Recently, federal food assistance programs have been challenged, food prices are rising, and the need for food assistance across the community is growing.

Join us in our efforts to provide essential meals to those we serve.

Your food donations will support participants staying in our shelters and taking part in Primavera programs, including individuals, families, veterans and seniors.

How can you help? 

Most needed non-perishable items include: Canned protein, rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits & vegetables, and snacks.

To donate food or learn more, contact Sophia at 520-882-3707 x1509 or ssmith.gatto@primavera.org.

Operation Deep Freeze (ODF) is Tucson's winter severe weather emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. ODF is activated when weather predictions for overnight temperatures are 40°F or lower with rain, 35°F or lower without rain, or when wind chill factors indicate a health hazard from exposure.

People identifying as male can go to the Primavera Men’s Shelter at 200 E. Benson Highway for intake at 4:30 pm. No ID necessary, no weapons allowed.  Unable to accommodate level 3 sex offenders. Seven emergency cots are available.

With colder days ahead, many in our community need extra warmth and care. The Primavera Foundation is seeking donations of blankets, jackets, pants, water bottles/Gatorade, beanies, reusable bottles, non-perishable snacks, 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 Sophia Smith-Gatto at ssmith.gatto@primavera.org. 

Interested in making a difference in your community?

Buy your Primavera Foundation T-shirt today and support our mission co-creating pathways out of poverty through outreach, housing, workforce development, homeownership, financial education, and comprehensive community development!

LIMITED STOCK: T-shirts are $20 plus $8 shipping. T-shirts are soft and comfortable and available in sizes S-2XL.

Click on the button below to order yours today!

 At a recent holiday walk through at the Primavera Resource Center, staff served 105 participants, with a myriad of items distributed, including 105 blankets, 95 coats, 368 items of clothing and 874 food items.

Enjoy this video of this year's holiday Walk Through!

The Philanthropy department has launched a new Volunteer and In-Kind Newsletter to bring more visibility to the amazing volunteers and in-kind donors who support everything we do at Primavera. This newsletter is a tool to strengthen and help inform you about upcoming events, more ways to help, and to offer insights on to what each volunteer is doing within our programs. Read the newsletter by clicking below. To sign up, contact Volunteer and Philanthropy Services Specialist, Sophia Smith-Gatto at ssmith.gatto@primavera.org.

The lists below have the latest items Primavera programs need. The lists are updated frequently to adapt to the ever-changing needs of each location: Mobile Outreach, Homelessness, Intervention & Prevention (HIP), Men's Shelter, Casa Paloma Women's Shelter and Hospitality Center, Project Action for Veterans (PAV), Rapid Rehousing, Family Pathways, Primavera Works, and now STAR Village. Purchasing items from an Amazon list is one way to support our programs. We appreciate everyone's generosity and support!

If you have any questions, contact Sophia Smith-Gatto at ssmith.gatto@primavera.org.