Target volunteers transform classroom at Primo Women’s Shelter in Englewood


Target volunteers transform classroom at Primo Women’s Shelter in Englewood

More than 35 Target volunteers traded their usual workday for a hands-on project this week, transforming a classroom for infants and preschoolers whose families are experiencing homelessness at Primo Women’s Shelter in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood.

The two-day project began Tuesday, Sept. 22, when members of Target’s Chicagoland Property Management team cleared the classroom and tore out the existing carpet and tile. Volunteers returned at 7 a.m. Wednesday to begin installing new carpeting in the infant care area and new tile flooring in the preschool section, working through the afternoon to bring the refreshed space together.

The classroom is used to care for young children during the day while their parents work, making it an important part of the support Primo Center provides to families staying at the shelter.

“Primo Center does incredible work supporting Chicago families, and we’re proud to play a small part in that mission,” said Matt Liska, Property Management Director at Target. “Our team was excited to put our skills to work to create a beautiful, welcoming space where children can feel comfortable, cared for and excited to spend their day.”

Primo Center is one of Chicago’s largest providers of services for families experiencing homelessness, offering housing, healthcare, education and other support designed to help families move toward stability.

Wednesday’s makeover was not the first time Target volunteers have lent a hand at Primo Center. In recent years, teams have revitalized a flower garden at the organization’s West Side location, cleaned up a garden at its South Side location and sorted and organized donated items used in the center’s daily operations.

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