Lauren Sanchez shared how she and fiance Jeff Bezos approach to philanthropy in a new interview — and she said one thing “people don't really know” about Bezos is that he put up an 8-story, 63,000-square-foot shelter for the homeless within one Amazon office building in Seattle.
The Hollywood Reporter published a conversation between Sánchez and Eva Longoria on Tuesday. Longoria asked Sanchez about her and Bezos' approach to philanthropy, and Sánchez said that “Jeff is extremely focused, as you can imagine.”
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“We really look for organizations that not only address urgent issues, but also have a clear and impactful plan to make a difference,” Sánchez said.
Longoria and Sánchez have been friends for 20 years, with Longoria earning $50 million. Bezos Courage and Civilization Award in March.
Sanchez emphasized that 10 billion dollars The Bezos Earth Fund, which focuses on climate-related innovation, nature restoration and climate justice. She also noted Amazon's partnership with Mary's Place, an organization that helps support homeless families.
“One thing Jeff did with Mary's Place is he put the homeless shelter inside the Amazon offices in Seattle, which is incredible,” Sánchez said. “I know. It's crazy that people don't really know that much about it.”
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Amazon employees simply need to come downstairs to volunteer their time at the shelter, Sánchez added.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (Photo by Yui Mok/PA Images via Getty Images)
Amazon opened the shelter in May 2020, with space for up to 200 people every night. The facility has a health clinic, kitchen and dining areas, children's playrooms and office space so Amazon's legal team can provide legal assistance.
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Housing is kept private from Amazon's offices through separate entrances.
Amazon reported that in 2020, the center has provided emergency housing for more than 85 families.
Bezos posted about the shelter on social media. In April 2021, for example, he posted a video of himself and Sanchez taking Washington State Governor Jay Inslee on a tour of the facility.
According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index at the time of writing, Bezos is the second richest person in the world with a net worth of $221 billion. Sánchez has a net worth of $30 million, per prestige.