A Georgia based nonprofit just scored a major win in the fight against family homelessness. St Vincent de Paul Georgia received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, founded by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos, as one of 32 recipients across the United States in 2025.
Grant Details and Announcement
This generous award marks the largest donation in the history of St Vincent de Paul Georgia. Announced on December 1, 2025, the grant is part of a bigger effort where the fund distributed a total of $102.5 million to organizations working to house homeless families nationwide.
The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund focuses on groups that provide shelter, support, and paths to stable housing. Inspired by a Seattle shelter’s vision that no child should sleep outside, the fund has given out hundreds of millions since starting in 2018. This year’s grants went to nonprofits in states like California, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, showing a wide reach to tackle rising homelessness.
St Vincent de Paul Georgia plans to use the money over five years. Leaders say it will boost their work in eviction prevention and family support, helping more people stay off the streets.
How the Grant Will Help Families
Family homelessness is growing fast in Georgia and across the country. Recent data shows over 10,000 people experience homelessness in the state on any given night, with families making up a big part of that number. This grant aims to change that by funding programs that address root causes.
The nonprofit offers wraparound services tailored to each family’s needs. These include help with rent, job training, and health care. Executive Director Mike Mies pointed out that preventing evictions is key, as it stops families from falling into deeper crisis.
With this funding, they expect to reach hundreds more families. It will expand efforts like financial literacy classes and credit repair, which build long term stability.
One key program is Motel to Home, which moves families from temporary stays into permanent housing. Another is Marillac Moms, supporting pregnant women facing homelessness.
Key Programs Boosted by the Funding
St Vincent de Paul Georgia runs several targeted initiatives that this grant will strengthen. Here are some standout ones:
- Motel to Home: Helps families transition from motels to stable apartments with case management.
- Marillac Moms: Provides shelter and resources for pregnant women and new mothers without homes.
- Eviction Prevention: Offers financial aid and landlord negotiations to keep families housed.
- Food Pantries and Thrift Stores: Supplies essentials while linking people to broader support.
These programs go beyond basics. They include job placement and mental health services, creating a full safety net.
The organization also engages landlords to find willing partners. This approach has already helped thousands in Georgia, and the grant will scale it up.
Broader Impact on Homelessness Crisis
Homelessness rates have spiked in recent years due to high rents and economic pressures. In 2025, national figures show family homelessness up by 15 percent from the year before, according to federal reports. Georgia mirrors this trend, with metro areas like Atlanta seeing sharp increases.
The Bezos fund’s total giving this year highlights a national push. Other recipients include Union Station Homeless Services in California and Housing Families in Massachusetts, each getting $5 million. Smaller grants went to groups like Chum in Minnesota for $2.5 million.
| Organization | State | Grant Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Vincent de Paul Georgia | Georgia | $5 million |
| Union Station Homeless Services | California | $5 million |
| Housing Families | Massachusetts | $5 million |
| Chum | Minnesota | $2.5 million |
| Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis | Indiana | $2.5 million |
This table shows a sample of 2025 recipients, focusing on family support. The fund’s strategy emphasizes rapid rehousing and prevention, which experts say is more effective than emergency aid alone.
Looking Ahead for St Vincent de Paul Georgia
With this boost, the nonprofit aims to prevent more evictions and house families faster. Leaders like Mies stress that family homelessness is the fastest growing segment, and targeted help can turn the tide.
They plan to track progress through metrics like reduced eviction rates and increased housing placements. Community partnerships will play a big role, drawing in local businesses and volunteers.
This grant comes at a critical time, as winter approaches and needs rise. It builds on the organization’s long history of service, rooted in compassion and practical solutions.
What do you think about this effort to fight homelessness? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to raise awareness.
