Being born and raised in the Bay Area, it is no surprise that nonprofits are the backbone of our community. They are there to help us face our most urgent challenges and provide support for our community in times of need. As a child, I was able to volunteer at Martin De Porres House for Hospitality and St. Vincent De Paul Soup Kitchen. I saw the positive impact that a meal can make on those whose dignity is continually questioned. These experiences motivated me to seek a career that would enable me to empower others and improve the lives of my community.
Google.org believes that the best community organizations can help rebuild a more equitable Bay Area, especially in light of the ongoing pandemics. Google has been a Bay Area resident for over 20 years and has donated over $420,000,000 to local charities. I am proud that we are still one of the top donors in the area and that we continue to build on our legacy today.
Google.org's Impact Challenge Bay Area provides $10 million in grants for 35 non-profits. Today, we are sharing the top ten finalists who are eligible to receive the Public Choice award. These organizations are dedicated to housing and homelessness prevention, education access improvement, providing resources for families in crisis, and rethinking criminal justice.