Miami-Dade, FL - The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has received a transformative $5 million grant from Jeff Bezos to support its efforts in combating homelessness.
The funding, part of Bezos’s Day 1 Families Fund initiative, aims to address critical housing needs and provide essential services for families experiencing homelessness.
The grant will allow the Homeless Trust to expand its programs, including providing emergency shelter, long-term housing solutions, and comprehensive support services.
The initiative emphasizes addressing the root causes of homelessness while offering immediate relief to vulnerable families.
Ron Book, chairman of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it will significantly enhance the organization’s ability to serve the community.
“This funding will help us make a meaningful difference in the lives of families who are struggling,” Book said.
The Day 1 Families Fund, launched in 2018 by Jeff Bezos, has awarded millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations across the United States that focus on ending family homelessness.
Miami-Dade’s selection underscores the Homeless Trust’s impact and dedication to providing solutions for one of the region’s most pressing issues.
Local officials and advocates have praised the grant, calling it a critical step toward reducing homelessness and supporting families in need.
The funds will also strengthen partnerships with other agencies working to address housing instability in Miami-Dade County.
As the Homeless Trust begins implementing programs funded by the grant, more updates on its impact are expected in the coming months.
Bezos, founder of Amazon, is one of the world's most influential entrepreneurs and innovators.
Born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bezos revolutionized e-commerce by transforming Amazon from an online bookstore in 1994 into a global tech giant spanning retail, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
He also owns The Washington Post and founded Blue Origin, a space exploration company focused on making space travel accessible.
As of 2024, Bezos has a net worth of approximately $156 billion, making him one of the wealthiest people globally.
Notable charitable contributions include his $10 billion commitment to the Bezos Earth Fund, aimed at combating climate change, and $100 million grants to organizations like Feeding America through his Day 1 Families Fund, supporting homelessness and education initiatives.