Jenesse Center, Inc., a comprehensive domestic violence supportive service agency, has received a $2.5 million grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. The donation is one of the largest gifts in the organization’s history. It is the seventh year that the Day 1 Families Fund has awarded grants to organizations across the country that are leading the way to move the needle on family homelessness with the goal of ensuring that no child sleeps outside.
“This generous grant strengthens our ability to tell families ‘yes’ with confidence, knowing that the resources are in place to meet the urgent needs of families seeking safety and a path forward,” said Karen Earl, chief executive officer of Jenesse Center. “We believe wholeheartedly in our comprehensive service model, and it is humbling and inspiring to see others recognize and support this vital work. With this beautiful gift, Jenesse Center can continue transforming lives.”
Family homelessness in the U.S. rose dramatically from 2022 to 2023, and families now represent more than 28 percent of the country’s homeless population, according to a 2024 report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness. With its one-time Day 1 Families Fund grant, Jenesse Center will work to reverse this national trend by serving families experiencing homelessness in South Los Angeles.
Specifically, Jenesse Center plans to use its funds to support and amplify its life-saving programs, including helping more families move from abuse and homelessness to safe and affordable permanent housing. Jenesse will also invest in advocacy for the population it serves.
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.
“Jenesse Center has been my cocoon, nurturing and protecting me, helping me heal and guiding me through my transformation. Now, as a member of Purple Monarchs, I can say that the services and support Jenesse provided helped me develop my wings,” said Dominique Carter, former client and member of the Purple Monarchs, a client advocacy group. “I am the result of turning trauma into triumph and with this platform, I intend to be a voice for those enduring domestic violence, speaking out for those whose cries go unheard.”
Since 2018, the Day 1 Families Fund has awarded 248 grants totaling nearly $750 million to organizations serving families in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The grants are uniquely flexible and enable organizations to support families experiencing homelessness—including those who are unsheltered or staying in shelters—to regain safe, stable housing and achieve well-being.
This year, the Fund issued a total of $110.5 million in grants to 40 organizations, and for the first time, nonprofits in Kansas and New Jersey are among the awardees. The other organizations receiving grants in California are: 3rd Street Youth Center and Clinic, Arcata House Partnership, Catholic Charities CYO of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Homeward Bound of Marin, Hope Solutions and My Sister’s House. The full list of awardees is available at bezosdayonefund.org/day1familiesfund.
