HFI Receives $5-Million Bezos Foundation Grant

Mobile-based Housing First, Inc. (HFI) recently received a $5-million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. The one-time gift is the largest in the nonprofit’s history and will be used to support families as they reel from increasing rent costs, limited services and insufficient incomes. HFI said it will use the funds over the next five years to fill existing service gaps and serve more families through outreach, shelter, housing and supportive services. It will also expand its work to prevent families from entering homelessness. HFI was selected by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and experts on homelessness and service provision. “Families are the foundation of our community,” said HFI CEO Derek Boulware. “We intend to use this generous grant from the Day 1 Families Fund to make a lasting impact on family poverty and homelessness in Mobile and Baldwin counties.”