A $2 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund has been awarded to the Texas Homeless Network (THN) to help end homelessness.
The grant represents the largest ever grant awarded to an organization.
As part of the Day 1 Families Fund, created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2018, organizations and civic groups addressing the immediate needs of young families are recognized each year with these leadership awards.
Since the number of unsheltered families has doubled over the past two years, THN CEO Eric Samuels explained how critical it is to assist the homeless.
500 families with children in Texas are currently sleeping in tents or on the streets, according to him.
“In Texas, we should not allow families to be on the street, or in shelters, or communities. I know we want to support families from falling into homelessness, and this money will help us to achieve that goal,” Samuels said.
A Day 1 Families Fund advisory board composed of experts in homelessness, including housing and service providers with an understanding of policy, advocacy, racial equity, and child welfare, choose Texas Homeless Network as a Day 1 Families Fund grant recipient.
In its first undertaking, the THN will leverage local resources and compassion to end family homelessness in two cities.
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Additionally, this statewide assistance will enable providers in Texas to help families in getting the services they need efficiently and cost-effectively.
Also, Grant money will be used by THN to invest in programs and shelters in two midsized cities. A selection process will be conducted in 2022.
