$5M Grant to Target Homelessness in Youngstown, Akron

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Axess Family Services Inc., an Akron-based nonprofit, was awarded a $5 million grant from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez through the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund to build affordable housing in Youngstown and other Ohio communities. 

“This is the largest gift we have ever received in my 30-plus years of running this organization,” said Mark Frisone, executive director of Axess Family Services. “It will allow us to continue to go forth and do good for the many homeless families in need in northeastern Ohio.”

Axess Family Services plans to use the funds to expand the number of homeless shelter beds for families and build a new shelter for survivors experiencing domestic violence, a news release states. Funds will also be used to expand outreach to homeless families and develop more affordable housing in northeastern Ohio.

Matt Slater, director of development at Axess Family Services, said the organization will provide outreach services and work with Continuum of Care to identify families that are homeless and to provide options to end that homelessness. Continuum of Care is a program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“We’re looking at developing affordable permanent housing,” Slater said.

Although discussions are ongoing, locations haven’t been finalized. Slater said the plan is for one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, not apartment complexes.

“This incredible award will empower us to collaborate with our community partners on a variety of initiatives aimed at transforming the future of families experiencing homelessness,” Slater said. “By working together, we will create lasting solutions to break the cycle of homelessness, improve stability and offer families a pathway to long-term success and independence.”

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. 

Pictured at top: Photo courtesy of Axess Family Services.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.