Bezos fund selects The Kitchen for $2.5M grant

The Kitchen Inc. has been selected to receive a $2.5 million grant from the Bezos Day One Fund, a philanthropic initiative from billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos.

The gift marks the largest donation in The Kitchen's history, according to a news release. The funding specifically comes from the Bezos Day One Fund's Bezos Day 1 Families Fund that helps organizations working to combat homelessness.

“This incredible investment will strengthen our ability to bring stability and purpose to families who have nowhere else to turn,” said Meleah Spencer, CEO of The Kitchen, in the release. “It comes at a pivotal time as we face rising costs and shifts in federal funding."

The Kitchen is the only Missouri organization selected among the eighth annual Day 1 Families Fund recipients, according to the list posted to BezosDayOneFund.org. No other southwest Missouri institution has received funding in the competitive grant initiative’s history. 

The Kitchen plans to use the grant funding over the next five years toward its new shelter expansion, case management and on-site support, and expanding the number of families served, according to the release.