BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

$5 Million Grant for Greensboro Salvation Army: A Transformative Step for Homeless Families

The Salvation Army of Greensboro has received $5 million from a charitable fund set up by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos which will be used to assist an additional 30 homeless families get into housing over the next five years.

Empowering Change: How a $5 Million Grant Will Transform Lives in Greensboro

By Nicky Smith

Nicky Smith, Greensboro City Council candidate, standing proudly with a vision to enhance public safety, strengthen community partnerships, and build a brighter future for Greensboro.

In an inspiring moment of hope and generosity, the Salvation Army of Greensboro has received a $5 million grant courtesy of the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund. This fund, founded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, focuses on providing significant resources to organizations supporting homeless families. The Greensboro Salvation Army was among just 40 organizations selected nationwide to share in the latest $110.5 million round of funding.

Capt. Chris Raymer, the corps officer for the Greensboro Salvation Army, confirmed that this $5 million grant represents the largest single donation the organization has ever received. For our community, this news promises a brighter future for many families facing housing instability.

About the Bezos Day One Fund

The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund provides annual leadership awards to organizations making a meaningful impact in addressing family homelessness. Inspired by Mary’s Place in Seattle and its vision of ensuring “no child sleeps outside,” the fund supports efforts to help families secure safe, stable housing and improve their well-being. Since its inception in 2018, the fund has awarded nearly $750 million through 248 grants to organizations across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The Bezos Day 1 Families Fund annual leadership awards recognize organizations that make a significant impact in helping families experiencing homelessness achieve stable housing and well-being. Between 2018 and 2021, over half of the grantees reported using their funds to:

  • Prevent homelessness for more than 28,000 families.
  • Provide safe shelter for over 30,000 unsheltered families.
  • Connect more than 75,000 families with essential services.

Making an Immediate Impact

The Salvation Army will receive the funding over five years and use it to expand its Pathway to Success program.

“This program and where this money is going to specifically … is to get families off the streets, into permanent, stable housing,” Raymer said. “We know that the housing market is short right now. We need more housing. So we will work diligently with landlord partners to find housing for these individuals.”

The funding will directly assist 30 additional homeless families in Greensboro, providing them with housing over the next five years. The long-term impact of this grant cannot be overstated. Stable housing is more than just a roof over one’s head—it’s a stepping stone to education, employment, and improved health outcomes.

Capt. Raymer shared that the organization was invited to apply for this transformative grant, highlighting the trust and recognition the Salvation Army has earned through its dedicated work in our community. Raymer said the Salvation Army intends to serve 30 additional families annually, nearly four times the eight families currently participating in the program. He also noted that the organization must add a few staff positions to accommodate the increase.

“We will need to continue sustaining that after five years, and we will work hard, and we believe that the community will gather around us and make this happen,” Raymer said.

A Shared Responsibility

As someone deeply invested in the Greensboro community, I’ve witnessed firsthand the critical need for initiatives that address homelessness. The support offered by the Salvation Army is a lifeline for families who might otherwise face insurmountable barriers to stability.

This extraordinary grant is a reminder of what can be achieved when philanthropic vision meets the tireless dedication of local organizations. It is also a call to action for all of us to support initiatives that uplift our neighbors. Whether through donations, volunteerism, or advocacy, we can contribute to this collective effort in countless ways.

Gratitude and Hope

We immensely thank the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund for their generosity and commitment to addressing homelessness nationally. Equally, we thank the Salvation Army of Greensboro for their unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of needy families. This funding will change individual lives and strengthen the fabric of our community as a whole.

Raymer added that the Salvation Army is also seeking support for other programs. To learn more about the Salvation Army in Greensboro, visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Greensboro.

As Greensboro continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like these remind us of the power of community and the importance of compassion. Together, we can ensure that every family has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information on how you can support the Salvation Army of Greensboro or get involved in their programs, visit their website or contact their local office. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

Additional Resources for reading:
Bezos Day One Fund Announcing the 2024 Grantees
News & Record – Greensboro Salvation Army gets $5 million grant for homeless from Bezos fund
WFMY News 2 – Jeff Bezos gives $5 million grant to Salvation Army of Greensboro
WXII 12 News – Bezos Day One Families Fund gifts Salvation Army of Greensboro with $5 million
Yahoo News – Salvation Army of Greensboro Receives $5 Million Grant


Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.

Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.

Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council