A Transformative Gift: Miriam’s House Receives $1.25 Million to End Family Homelessness
On November 20, 2024, the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund announced Miriam’s House as a recipient of a $1.25 million grant. This five-year investment will allow us to expand our programs and explore new, innovative ways to ensure that every family in our community has a safe and stable place to call home.
This grant reflects both the generosity of the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and their belief in Miriam’s House as a leader in creating solutions to family homelessness. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized among 40 nonprofits across the country making meaningful progress in this critical area. This grant will further our commitment that no child sleeps outside. That shared belief—deeply held by both the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund and Miriam’s House—drives everything we do.
Why This Matters
Family homelessness is on the rise, with families now making up more than 28% of the nation’s homeless population (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2024). Here in our community, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges families face when they lose their homes.
With its one-time Day 1 Families Fund grant, Miriam’s House will work to reverse this national trend by expanding services to families experiencing homelessness in Lynchburg and the surrounding counties.
What This Means for OUR WORK
The flexible nature of this grant empowers Miriam’s House to meet homeless families’ needs in innovative and impactful ways. Here’s how we plan to use this incredible gift:
Expand Proven Programs: Our award-winning Community First program, which rapidly rehouses families and provides wraparound services, will grow to serve even more families.
Explore New Solutions: With input from our dedicated team, board, and Consumer Advisory Council, comprised of women who have experienced homelessness, we will explore additional programs to meet the unique challenges facing families in our region and provide long-term support to families.
Enhance Long-Term Impact: By addressing both immediate housing needs and systemic challenges, this funding strengthens our ability to create pathways to stability for every family we serve.
These funds will empower us to meet families’ needs in innovative and impactful ways, allowing us to dream bigger, act faster, and reach farther to make sure that every family we serve can rebuild their lives with stability and hope.
A Shared Commitment
A group of national advisors who are leading experts on family homelessness and its solutions, including the intersection of homelessness and housing policy, child welfare, racial equity and service provision, identified the organizations selected for funding. The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund’s vision is deeply inspired by Mary’s Place in Seattle—that no child sleeps outside. Since 2018, the fund has awarded nearly $750 million to nonprofits across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.
The support from the Day 1 Families Fund is a recognition of the progress we have made together as a community. Every step we take toward ending family homelessness is made possible through the dedication of our team, the collaboration of local partners, and the unwavering support of those who share our vision of a community where every family has a place to call home.
Looking Ahead
Over the next several months, we’ll be working with our partners, advisors, and community members to develop plans for this funding, with more details to share in early 2025. While there’s a lot of work ahead, one thing is certain: this grant will help us get closer to our vision of ending family homelessness in Central Virginia.
We’re profoundly grateful to the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund for their belief in our mission and to every person who has been with us along the way.
Whether you’ve supported us as a volunteer, donor, partner, advocate, or friend, this win is a reflection of everything we’ve accomplished together.
Thank you for celebrating this moment with us. We look forward to continuing this important work and sharing updates on the impact of this incredible gift.