DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - Duluth nonprofit Chum has been awarded a $2.5 million grant by the Bezos Day One Fund to help families experiencing homelessness.

The grant is the largest private donation Chum has ever received and will help expand Chum’s shelter offerings for families.

The Bezos Day One Fund was launched by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in 2018 to help homeless families and create more preschools. Chum is one of 32 organizations nationwide receiving a Day 1 Families Fund in 2025.

Chum currently has six units for families within the Steve O’Neil Apartments. Chum Director of Stabilization Services Kim Randolph says the units are often full, meaning families must stay in Chum’s drop-in shelter, which is currently located in the Damiano Center as Chum undergoes renovations.

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