Primo Center

Overview
Primo Center is a prominent nonprofit organization located in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to homeless families. Founded in 1978 by the late Bishop Quintin Primo, Jr. and several community leaders, the organization aims to empower families to overcome poverty and achieve stability, responsible independence, and productivity within their communities.

Mission
The mission of Primo Center is to enable families to become productive, responsible, and independent members of society. Through a holistic approach, the center offers a range of services designed to address the unique challenges faced by homeless families in Chicago.

Services Provided
Primo Center's services are structured around four main areas:

• Housing: The organization provides 330 shelter beds for families, along with 92 units of permanent supportive housing that includes rental subsidies and additional services.

• Trauma-Informed Care: The center promotes a therapeutic community that aids in the healing process for families, utilizing a harm-reduction approach that encourages gradual progress.

• Early Childhood Development Services: This includes a dedicated early childhood center, evidence-based home visiting programs, and child-parent psychotherapy aimed at fostering healthy development from a young age.

• Integrated Healthcare: Primo Center coordinates comprehensive physical, dental, and mental healthcare for families, ensuring they have access to necessary medical services through partnerships with health organizations.

Impact
Primo Center serves over 1,100 individuals annually with the help of more than 100 volunteers and a dedicated staff of 75 members. The organization operates in high-need communities across Chicago, specifically in Austin, Englewood, and Hermosa. With an annual operating budget approaching $8 million, it has established itself as a leading provider of services for homeless families in the area.

Leadership and Historical Context
The organization's founders, including Bishop Primo, recognized the urgent needs of families facing poverty and homelessness. Over the past four decades, Primo Center has evolved to provide tailored services that address these needs and has expanded its capacity to assist a growing number of families. The center's commitment to innovation in service delivery has made it a critical partner for those seeking a pathway out of homelessness and toward stability.

Conclusion
Primo Center continues to be a transformative force in the lives of many families, helping them achieve safety, stability, and brighter futures. Through an integrated approach that encompasses housing, healthcare, and family support services, the organization remains focused on equipping families with the tools they need to thrive and succeed within their communities.

[1] https://www.primocenter.org/about-us/ [2] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/9941ec4045964f328fe0a844de97d765-primo-center-for-women-and-children-chicago [3] https://www.primocenter.org/about-us/our-story/ [4] https://www.primocenter.org [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/362966006