A Second Chance: How One Mother Rebuilt Stability for Her Family |
After fleeing domestic violence in Texas, Robin Plummer arrived in Tucson with her four children and nowhere to go. With support from the Primavera Foundation’s Family Pathways Program, she was able to avoid homelessness and rebuild stability for her family. “I was so scared of being on the streets with my kids because I had nowhere else to go,” she said.
Today, Robin is working, pursuing a medical certification, and watching her children thrive in a safe, stable home. |
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Tucson City Council Presentation: Primavera Foundation Update on Unsheltered Homelessness |
Primavera Foundation CEO Tisha Tallman shared a six-month update on Star Village, highlighting the program’s impact and continued growth, at the April 21, 2026, Tucson Mayor and City Council meeting.
Star Village, a supportive shelter community, has remained at or near its 25-person capacity since opening. “It’s a huge success, it’s definitely met a need,” Tallman said. Staff from Governor Katie Hobbs' office visited the site in April and was supportive of the project. The city council's proposed budget includes funding for a second year.
Since launching, 82 individuals have been served, with some residents transitioning into housing. Tallman noted that while pathways exist, barriers like identification, past evictions, and financial challenges can delay progress. The program continues to evolve, with updates like a new respite tent for extreme heat and improved living spaces based on resident feedback.
Residents also have access to on-site services, including case management, medical care, and work and wellness programming. Mayor Regina Romero praised the program, encouraging others to visit and see its impact firsthand. Star Village reflects Primavera Foundation’s commitment to providing dignity, stability, and real pathways forward for those experiencing homelessness. |
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Water Rest Shade Campaign Offers Relief from the Heat |
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Join Primavera and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) in this year's Water. Rest. Shade. Campaign! Give $5, $25, $50, $75, $100, $500 or more, and help keep our community protected from the heat. Every donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Tucson Electric Power up to $25,000.
Last year's collaboration with TEP and Primavera’s Water, Rest, Shade campaign provided 13,000 heat relief services and resources to thousands of community members at Primavera’s Resource Center drop-in center, the Primavera Men's Shelter, and Casa Paloma.
Between May and October of last year, Primavera operated three cooling centers, providing community members a place to rest, recharge, and obtain supplies such as water, cooling towels, hydration packets, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, sandals, snacks, and water stations. Help protect our vulnerable neighbors from the summer heat. Together, we can make a life-saving difference. |
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Thanks to our Wonderful Volunteers! |
Primavera Foundation's volunteer community is strong and thriving!
Between January and March, 111 active volunteers contributed 1,715 hours across our programs. March was particularly high-energy, with nearly 587 hours clocked—much of that dedicated to our HIP program and essential meal services. This collective effort is powered by a perfect synergy of 57 dedicated individuals and 54 organized meal teams who ensure our neighbors are supported every single day.
The impact on our dining tables has been especially profound. So far this year, volunteers have provided 222 meals across our shelters, with an additional 158 meals served through our vital partnership with Caridad Kitchen of the Community Food Bank. We’re also seeing incredible momentum at our STAR Village pilot. Since its launch, volunteers have already poured over 161 hours into the site, showing deep community investment in this new chapter of our operations.
Last month, Primavera celebrated volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Party. Volunteers enjoyed food, remarks, certificates of recognition, swag and raffle prizes. For photos of the celebration, click below.
Whether you are sorting donations, assisting with drop-in services, or prepping a hot meal, your support is the heartbeat of Primavera. You aren't just filling shifts; you’re providing the stability and dignity our participants need to thrive. Thank you for making the first three months of the year so impactful! |
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Eegee's Delicious Deals to Benefit Primavera |
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Primavera is partnering with Eegee's in the sale of its annual coupon cards, which benefit three local nonprofits.
This year, Eegee's $15 coupon cards provide $100 in discounts on its delicious grinders, salads and frozen treats. Proceeds will benefit Primavera Foundation and two other nonprofits. Information about Eegee's Coupon cards can be found at Eegee's Coupon Card. Since Eegee's began its coupon card program in 1997, it has partnered with amazing local organizations. With the public's support, it has donated over $ 3.5 million to help make the Tucson community a better place. Coupon cards are sold at any Eegee's stores and drive-thrus, while supplies last. |
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Buy Tickets to the 2026 Jim Click Raffle! |
The 2026 Jim Click Millions for Tucson Raffle is ongoing! The Primavera Foundation is proud to be one of the many nonprofit organizations participating in this year’s raffle.
100% of the proceeds from ticket sales will be retained by the organization that is selling them. You will you have the chance to win one of the three great prizes listed below and your purchase will also directly support the Primavera Foundation! Mr. Click is raffling three great prizes this year: |
- The Grand Prize is a NEW 2026 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X Roush® Edition
- Second Prize is two round-trip, first-class airline tickets to anywhere in the world*
- Third Prize is $5,000 cash
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Tickets are available for $25.00 each or 5 tickets for $100.00.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Philanthropy and Donors Connection Officer, Pete Corrigan, at pcorrigan@primavera.org.
Disclaimer: Raffle ticket purchases are NOT considered donations. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Primavera Foundation, visit the Give page. |
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Full Stomachs, Full Hearts: Operation Food Security |
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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. |
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Purchase and donate needed food items on our page.
- Donate gift cards from local grocery stores.
- Adopt us! Your company, club, or philanthropic organization can adopt Primavera and its Operation Food Security.
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Make a direct financial donation on our page by clicking on “Operation Food Security.”
- Sign up to donate or serve food at one of our shelters. Contact Sophia Smith-Gatto to sign up.
- Share this information with your friends, co-workers, and family members.
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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. |
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This Shirt Supports Community! |
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| Interested in making a difference in your community?
Buy your Primavera Foundation T-shirt today and support our mission to co-create 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 on the left to order yours today! |
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Help Drop Off Breakfast Items for STAR Village! | |
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News about Primavera, Housing and Homelessness |
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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. |
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Need Yard Help? Hire Primavera Works! |
Primavera Works offers supervised crews for yard maintenance and water harvesting, as well as individual workers for general labor, moving, landscaping, construction cleanup, janitorial services, and more. Services are available for both 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.
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Follow Primavera's social accounts! |
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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 outreach, housing, workforce development, comprehensive community development, and homeownership and financial education. |
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