Press Release: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Fund $2.5 Million Grant for Homeless Support in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In a significant move to combat homelessness, a charity led by billionaire Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, has awarded a $2.5 million grant to HealthNet Inc., an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to serving underserved communities and the homeless. The announcement was made by HealthNet on Wednesday.
Kay Wiles, director of HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program, conveyed that the funding will be pivotal in enhancing services for families and reducing the duration of their homelessness in Indianapolis. The grant will support the organization’s "no wrong door" approach for families experiencing homelessness, enabling a specialized entry point team to connect families with effective housing solutions and resources.
HealthNet intends to boost family housing stability planning and foster collaboration among family shelter providers, ensuring lasting impact in the community. The nonprofit operates over eight health centers in Indianapolis and another in Bloomington.
The grant comes against a backdrop of a concerning report for Indiana, which indicates that only 34 affordable housing units are available for every 100 low-income households. Furthermore, a staggering 76% of residents in the state spend more than half of their income on housing.
Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has a history of philanthropy focusing on family homelessness. The Day 1 Families Fund, which he established, has been providing grants based on the recommendations of experts in the field. Bezos and Sánchez, who have been engaged since May 2023, are also focusing on their wedding preparations, as Sánchez shared in a recent interview.
This investment marks another step towards addressing the urgent needs of homeless families in Indianapolis, highlighting the commitment of Bezos and Sánchez to leverage their resources for social good.
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