Amazon Makes Major Donation To Alexandria's Homeless Shelter

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A donation from Amazon has helped Carpenter's Shelter meet its $2 million fundraising goal for the construction of its new building. The company donated $300,000, the single largest contribution to the homeless shelter's New Heights Campaign.

"Carpenter’s Shelter provides essential housing and services in the Alexandria community," said Alice Shobe, director of Amazon in the Community, in a statement. "New Heights is an innovative use of land and brings additional affordable housing paired with services for those who need it most. We are grateful to join this effort and help complete the New Heights Campaign ahead of schedule."

The New Heights Campaign has seen support from 400 local donors, businesses, faith communities and private foundations. Other notable contributions came from Hoffman Family, LLC, Daniel E. Offutt Charitable Trust, Mr. and Mrs. John Siegel and Mr. Earl W. Stafford. Donations continue to be accepted online through Nov. 30. Every donor who contributes $5,000 or more will be included on a commemorative plaque in the new shelter.

Carpenter's Shelter is slated to receive a new home at 930 North Henry Street after the old building at that location was demolished. The new building will have a 60-bed shelter, a day shelter for the chronically homeless, winter hypothermia shelter, 87 affordable apartment units managed by the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation, and 10 permanent supportive housing units for homeless people in transition to housing. Construction is expected to be completed in 2020.

Carpenter's Shelter helps around 625 homeless and formerly homeless adults and children each year. The shelter is temporarily operating in the vacant Landmark Mall, 5701-D Duke Street, Alexandria.

Amazon, which announced it will locate its second headquarters just north of Alexandria in Crystal City, has supported other local nonprofits. In June, Amazon announced a $3 million donation to the Arlington Community Foundation and employee donation matching program to nonprofits addressing housing and homelessness.