Amazon founder’s charity grants Va. Beach nonprofit $1.25 million

VIRGINIA BEACH — A charity founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is giving a $1.25 million grant to a Virginia Beach nonprofit to fight homelessness.

A Samaritan House spokesperson said the organization will use the one-time grant from Bezos’ charity, Day 1 Families Fund, to expand its services and make improvements to its shelters.

The organization will be able to make repairs to the 14 existing shelters and purchase additional ones.

“We are proud of the work we do in the community to combat family homelessness, and we are honored to be recognized by the Day 1 Families Fund with a generous grant to continue our work, especially in a time of need due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative impacts on families,” said Robin Gauthier, executive eirector of Samaritan House, in a news release.

“Many families in Hampton Roads have been upended over the last eight months and the unique flexibility of this grant will allow Samaritan House to reach more families in Hampton Roads.”

Samaritan House offers a variety of services such as housing, case management and counseling to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or homelessness.

It was one of 42 organizations across the country to receive the grant, and the only one in Virginia. ForKids, another local nonprofit, has also gotten the grant in the past. Day 1 Families Fund awarded $105.9 million in grants this year.