Primo Center’s interim housing program provides a safe, supportive and uplifting space for families while they work toward finding a permanent home. As we enjoy our families this holiday season, we would like to share Anna’s story with you— 

My name is Anna, I’m 28 years old, and I’m a mother to two beautiful daughters. Every single day with my girls is something special, something I don’t take for granted. 

For eight years, I was married to their father. I was a stay-at-home mom for so long that by the time things changed, I barely had any job experience to fall back on. When the marriage took a drastic turn into financial abuse and even some physical abuse, I knew I had to make a move. I came back home from Delaware to Chicago, but this time… I came back with one less child. I was fighting to get my other daughter back, barely having any contact with her. 

While I was going through that, I ended up staying in an Airbnb because I had been sexually assaulted by my sister’s boyfriend. It was a dark, confusing time. But even in that storm, The Most High opened a door — I finally got my other daughter back. But the Airbnb got too expensive, and that’s when the Primo Center came into the picture. 

I stayed at Primo from March 2025 to August 2025, and honestly… they became like family. I had weekly meetings with Aubrey, my case manager, and therapy sessions with Kris, who helped me process everything I was carrying. They didn’t just give me a bed — they helped me rebuild myself piece by piece, so I could be better for my girls and for myself. 

When I first got there, I was working as a home health provider making $200 every two weeks. It wasn’t much, and I barely wanted the job, but it helped me get what we needed. One thing I loved about Primo was how they made space for joy. The children’s parties, the activities — it gave our babies a chance to smile and forget the weight we were carrying for a moment. Chicago Hope even took families on field trips so we could still experience life outside of pain, outside of the reality of being homeless. 

By August, blessings started rolling in. I got into a program with YWCA Metropolitan, where they help women build careers and find trades. That same month, I landed a job in security at Chase, and I applied for a brand-new income-managed apartment building called Thrive. And I got approved! 

But approval wasn’t enough — I still couldn’t afford the deposit and first month’s rent. And again… Primo stepped in. They paid my deposit and my first month’s rent. On top of that, Jerry, one of the case managers over transitional housing, entered me into a drawing, and my name got picked to have my entire apartment fully furnished. Brand new start. New home. New chapter. I am currently in school to become a dental hygienist and I’m so thankful!  

After everything I’ve been through — the abuse, the separation from my daughter, the assault, the instability — Primo made sure me and my daughters had a safe place to lay our heads. Their support carried me through one of the hardest seasons of my life. 

To me, Primo isn’t just a shelter… they’re family. Without them, I wouldn’t have my home, my furniture, or even half the stability I have today. And on cold days like this one, when I’m sitting in my own warm place with my daughters, I am overcome with joy and gratitude. 

As you head home this holiday season, please think of the families that Primo Center helps to get back on their feet and transition successfully to long-term housing.