MacKenzie Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, committed $436 million in funding to Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit whose mission is to build homes for the underserved. From that, the Long Island-based chapter of the organization is expected to receive $3.75 million.
The money comes after the Nassau and Suffolk County chapters of Habitat for Humanity decided to merge.
Lee Silberman, CEO of the combined entity, told Newsday that the money comes at a good time and the charity is putting together a committee to figure out the best ways to use the funds.
Silberman thanked Scott for the gift in a statement.
“When families work side by side with our construction staff and volunteers to build their forever home, they are not only creating a better community, but they are building a better life for themselves and the future for their children,” he said.
According to the Habitat for Humanity Long Island website, more than half of all families on Long Island spend over 30% of their income on housing, which is the HUD definition of being housing burdened and 20% of all families spend more than half of their income on housing, leaving little to no money to pay for proper health care and other necessities.
Recently, Habitat for Humanity on Long Island provided a newly renovated home in East Patchogue for a mother and daughter.