Hogar Ruth receives $2.5M Bezos grant for second year
Hogar Ruth para Mujeres Maltratadas Inc. in Vega Alta has received a $2.5 million grant from the Day 1 Fund, a nonprofit created by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos “to focus on making meaningful and lasting impacts in two areas: funding existing nonprofits that help families experiencing homelessness, and building and operating a network of new, tuition-free preschools in under-resourced communities.”
It is the second consecutive year the organization has been selected for a Day 1 Families Fund leadership award, following a $2.5 million grant in 2023.
Founded in 1984, Hogar Ruth provides safe shelter and support services for women and their children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or dating violence. The organization said it assisted 9,102 people in 2024 through direct shelter services and community-level prevention programs.
The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual awards to groups working to help families experiencing homelessness — including those who are unsheltered or living in shelters — secure stable housing and long-term well-being.
In past years, two other Puerto Rico nonprofits have received grants: La Fondita de Jesús, awarded $2.5 million in 2024, and Solo Por Hoy Inc., awarded $1 million in 2022.
“We’re excited to announce the eighth annual Day 1 Families Fund leadership awards. These 32 recipients from 20 states, the District of Columbia and Guam will receive immediate donations totaling $102.5 million to continue their compassionate, needle-moving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing and access services to achieve stability,” the nonprofit stated.
“The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families experiencing homelessness — including those who are unsheltered or staying in shelters — regain safe, stable housing and achieve well-being. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside,” it added.
Alliance with Aerostar
Earlier this week, Hogar Ruth and Aerostar Airport Holdings, operator of Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, announced a partnership to support survivors of domestic violence.
As part of the effort, officials unveiled a mural in the airport’s arrivals and departures area, near the restaurants. The artwork features a colorful depiction of a woman’s face and the message “Amo vivir sin miedo,” or “I love living without fear,” along with information in Spanish and English about Hogar Ruth’s services, donation instructions via ATH Móvil and a donation box.
The mural will remain on display for one year so passengers arriving in or leaving Puerto Rico can see the message and contribute to the shelter, which has served survivors for four decades.
“Aerostar is taking a firm step forward with its commitment to raising awareness about a sensitive issue — domestic violence — but one we must discuss to support women survivors of violence and their children,” said Hogar Ruth Executive Director Lisdel Flores-Barger.
