Family Promise of Essex County, a nonprofit organization based in Montclair, has been awarded a $425,000 grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Day 1 Families Fund. This significant funding aims to enhance the organization’s rapid rehousing program, which assists families in transitioning from shelters to permanent housing. The grant marks a historic milestone for Family Promise, as it is the largest donation the organization has ever received.
Key Takeaways
- Family Promise of Essex County received a $425,000 grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund.
- The funding will support the organization’s rapid rehousing program.
- Family homelessness is on the rise in Essex County, with a reported 54% increase in homelessness since last year.
- The grant will allow Family Promise to expand its outreach and shelter options for families in need.
The executive director of Family Promise, Tia Aery, expressed her excitement about the grant, stating, "This donation is the largest gift we’ve had in the organization’s history. It’s pretty exciting for us and it comes at a critical juncture. Family homelessness is on the rise in Essex County, for sure."
According to Monarch Housing Associates, a recent point-in-time count revealed that 2,451 individuals experienced homelessness in Essex County on January 24, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This count includes both sheltered and unsheltered individuals, highlighting the urgent need for support in the community.
Growing Need for Assistance
Family Promise has seen a surge in requests for assistance, receiving 149 inquiries from Montclair residents in 2024 alone. The organization has successfully helped approximately 72 individuals so far this year. Notably, Montclair ranked as the fourth most frequent location for assistance requests in Essex County in 2023, following Newark, East Orange, and Irvington.
The new funding will enable Family Promise to enhance its temporary shelter program, which uniquely focuses on keeping families of all sizes together during their stay. This approach is crucial, as families represent over 28% of the homeless population nationwide, according to a 2024 report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
National Impact of the Grant
The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund has awarded a total of $110.5 million to 40 organizations across 23 states to combat homelessness. With the inclusion of Family Promise, the fund has now recognized organizations in all 50 states. The selection of grantee organizations was guided by a group of national advisors who are experts in family homelessness and its solutions, emphasizing the importance of addressing the intersection of homelessness, housing policy, child welfare, and racial equity.
As Family Promise of Essex County embarks on this new chapter with the support of the Bezos grant, the organization is poised to make a significant impact in the fight against homelessness in the region. The funding will not only enhance their existing programs but also provide hope and stability to families in need, reinforcing the community’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue.
Sources
- Montclair Nonprofit Awarded $425K Bezos Grant to Battle Homelessness – Montclair Local, Montclair Local News.
