Carpenter's Shelter Launches Fundraising Effort For New Building

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Carpenter's Shelter, one of Alexandria's homeless shelters, is raising money to fund its future building.

The New Heights Campaign seeks $2 million for the rebuilt shelter and affordable housing building. Before the campaign went public last week, it has raised $1.4 million, or 70 percent of the goal.

"We are grateful to our early donors who have helped us reach our 70 percent milestone," said New Heights campaign co-chair Meghan Hendy. "Now as we enter the exciting public phase of the campaign we look to the larger community to join us to help our neighbors in need and support the bright future of Carpenter’s Shelter."

The old Carpenter's Shelter at 930 N Henry Street was demolished and will be replaced with a new shelter, 97 affordable apartment units and underground parking. 10 units will be set aside for shelter residents transitioning to permanent supportive housing.

The redevelopment is being done in partnership with the Alexandria Housing Development Corporation. The shelter seeks to address the availability of affordable permanent housing with the new building.

The shelter is temporarily located in the old Macy's at Landmark Mall while the new building is completed. The new shelter could open in June 2020.

Founded in 1988, Carpenter's Shelter has sheltered around 650 people each year. To donate or learn more about Carpenter's Shelter, visit visit www.carpentersshelter.org/new-heights.