LA PLATA, Md. — LifeStyles of Maryland has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, marking the largest donation in the nonprofit’s history.
The organization, which is based in La Plata and serves families experiencing homelessness across Southern Maryland, was one of 32 recipients nationwide selected for this year’s round of funding. The total amount awarded through the fund this year was $102.5 million.
“This gift is for the thousands of families who sleep on our streets each night, enduring the cold with nowhere to turn,” said Sandy Washington, CEO of LifeStyles of Maryland. “It empowers LifeStyles to continue providing shelter support, transitional housing, essential resources and daily outreach to the individuals and families who rely on us.”
The one-time grant will be used over the next five years to expand LifeStyles’ impact in Southern Maryland. The organization provides street outreach, housing stability services, food access programs, emergency assistance, and health and wellness support.
LifeStyles was selected by a panel of national advisors with expertise in homelessness, housing policy, and solutions to family homelessness. The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund, launched in 2018 by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, has awarded more than $850 million to 280 organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the District of Columbia.
Other Maryland-based organizations receiving funding this year include Community Crisis Services in Hyattsville and Harford Family House in Aberdeen. Friendship Place in Washington, D.C., was also among the selected recipients.
Scott Bohnhoff, board chair of LifeStyles, said the award will help move the needle in the fight against homelessness.
“This grant recognizes the work being done on the frontlines and provides resources that can truly change lives,” Bohnhoff said.
Other Maryland-based organizations receiving funding this year include Community Crisis Services in Hyattsville, which received $5 million, and Harford Family House in Aberdeen, which received $1.25 million. Friendship Place in Washington, D.C., was also among the recipients.
This year’s 32 awardees represent 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam.
For more information about the Day 1 Families Fund, including the full list of 2025 grant recipients, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund.
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Meanwhile they pick and choose who they help and have the worse staff who doesn’t do their job and I’m sure all isn’t going to those who are need