(Photo Credit: Mitch Pittman/Amazon)

Amazon developing homeless shelter near Seattle headquarters

Amazon has long been criticized for exacerbating the homelessness crisis in Seattle. Critics allege that the Amazon Headquarters, located in the heart of the city, has raised the cost of living. But Amazon is attempting to address the problem by building a homeless shelter, called Mary’s place, right across from its headquarters in downtown Seattle.

“We could not be more excited about our new Family Center shelter in downtown Seattle!” Mary’s Place said in a press release announcing the project. “Half of one of Amazon’s newest headquarter buildings will open to become the largest dedicated permanent shelter for families in the spring of 2020. This incredible new space is 63,000 sq. ft., with room for 275 moms, dads, and kids each night! Two floors, 30 rooms, will be dedicated to guests in our Popsicle Place program for families experiencing homelessness with critically ill children – tripling our Popsicle Place capacity!”

Amazon employees will volunteer at the shelter, helping with homework, resume reviews, even offering free legal services. Mary’s place will even offer pet care on-site.

“Amazon’s employees, neighbors, and volunteers will continue to provide homework help, pro bono legal clinics, resume reviews, events like kid’s dance parties, clothing and baby supply drives and more…Sharing this space creates an opportunity to inspire our community to work together to resolve the crisis of family homelessness and allows our neighbors experiencing homelessness to come out of isolation and into safety and warmth,” Mary’s Place said.