Earlier this month, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C. with Primo Center CEO Felicia Blakley for a day of purposeful conversations on Capitol Hill. As we walked the long marble hallways, buzzing with staffers and advocates from across the country, we knew exactly why we were there: to ensure that the voices of Chicago’s families experiencing homelessness—especially those in Englewood, Austin, Hermosa, and Auburn-Gresham—were heard by the people shaping national policy.

We started our day meeting with Congresswoman Delia Ramirez’s team. As the representative of the Hermosa neighborhood, where Primo’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is located, her staff immediately understood the gravity of potential cuts to PSH funding. We spoke candidly about what these reductions would mean: fewer families housed, longer waitlists, and diminished wraparound services that are essential for long-term stability. The staff was deeply engaged, asking thoughtful questions and expressing sincere interest in supporting our work. It was a reminder that PSH isn’t just a program—it’s a lifeline for the families who rely on its stability to rebuild their futures.

From there, we headed to meet with Congressman Jonathan Jackson’s staff. With Primo’s new Auburn-Gresham interim shelter slated to open in 2027 in his district, this conversation was all about opportunity. We discussed the importance of investing early—financially and collaboratively—in a shelter that will serve hundreds of families in need. They were excited about how the new campus could anchor additional community partnerships, leverage local strengths, and serve as a model for holistic family support on the South Side. Leaving their office, Felicia and I felt energized not only by their enthusiasm but also by the possibility of long-term alignment.

Our final meeting of the day was with Congressman Danny Davis. The retiring Davis is a well-established champion of Primo’s work. With both our Englewood and Austin interim shelter campuses located in his district, we were eager to share updates and lift up the growing concerns families are facing. Congressman Davis’ staff welcomed us with warmth and familiarity, and our conversation quickly turned to the potential cuts to SNAP benefits. For the families we serve, a reduction in food assistance is not just an inconvenience—it’s a direct threat to stability, dignity, and health. We discussed the urgent need for robust federal support and brainstormed ways to strengthen collaboration between Primo and local partners in his district. Their openness to listening—and acting—felt energizing.

Across every meeting, the themes were clear: concern about SNAP reductions, the very real threat posed by PSH cuts, and the shared belief that strategic funding and collaboration can change trajectories for Chicago families. What struck me most was the consistency of commitment—from all three offices—to ensure that our communities are not left behind.

Walking out of the Capitol into the crisp D.C. air, I felt hopeful. Advocacy can sometimes feel like slow, incremental movement. But on this day, it felt like momentum. We carried with us the stories of the families we serve, and we left knowing that more eyes and ears in Washington are paying attention.

At Primo Center, our mission is grounded in resilience, partnership, and possibility. “A Day on The Hill” reminded me that when we show up—fully, authentically, and with conviction—doors open, conversations deepen, and pathways for change begin to emerge.