As Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting draws near, Omaha is once again buzzing with stories of the philanthropy of chairperson Warren Buffett. While Buffett was in headlines last month when he gave $1 million to an employee who had a near-perfect first round of March Madness bracket predictions, he also chose to spotlight and support a different cause – the Stephen Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.
In his latest shareholder letter, Buffett announced a donation matching campaign for the Stephen Center. The news was accompanied by a new history book offered by Berkshire, 60 Years of Berkshire Hathaway. According to a recent press release, Buffett and book project lead Carrie Sova will each be signing copies of the book.
In the press release, it was announced that there will be 20 signed copies of the book for shareholders who contribute at least $5,000 to benefit the Stephen Center. Additionally, Buffett has pledged to match every donation dollar-for-dollar to the center. An online portal at stephencenter.org/buffett will open on April 7, at which ten copies will be available for the first ten individuals who correctly complete and submit the form. The remaining ten will only be available during the annual meeting for those who are physically in attendance.
“I don’t have proper words to convey, on behalf of all of the Stephen Center, our immense gratitude, appreciation, and also how excited we are to take this opportunity and turn it into real service, into real work that not only impacts those in need locally, but as part of a national dialogue, helping provide inspiration, if not a blueprint, on how to serve those experiencing homelessness,” Stephen Center CEO Chris Knauf said.
Founded to support individuals and families overcoming homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health challenges, the Stephen Center provides comprehensive services to those in need in Omaha. Its Pettigrew Emergency Shelter, Permanent Supportive Housing program, HERO (Health, Empowerment, Responsibility, and Opportunity) Program, and Donation Center combine to serve over 1,000 people each year, providing nearly 100,000 nights of lodging, 300,000 meals, and 60,000 volunteer hours.
Knauf said the Stephen Center plans to use the funds in a number of ways, including the only shelter in Omaha that serves men, women, and families with children in a manner that doesn’t separate one parent into another dorm.
“That’s important given the fact that we are in a city that has seen the most significant growth of those experiencing homelessness compared to other major metropolitan cities since 2013, and one of the biggest increases in populations is the increase of families and children experiencing homelessness right here in our own backyard,” Knauf said.
Learn more at stephencenter.org.
