Amazon donates $8 million to fight homelessness in Seattle, Arlington

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, founder of space venture Blue Origin and owner of The Washington Post.

Amazon on Tuesday said it will donate $8 million to fight homelessness in its two headquarter cities, Seattle and Arlington, Virginia.

The initial donation will include $5 million to Plymouth Housing in Seattle and $3 million to the Arlington Community Foundation. Amazon will also match employee donations to some charities that address housing and homelessness in either location through September 30, according to a press release. Amazon said it will match up to $5 million in employee donations.

Amazon previously opposed an effort from the local Seattle government last year to install taxes on big businesses to curb city taxes. The Seattle City Council eventually voted to repeal the tax hike, according the The Washington Post, which would have raised $48 million annually to fund the city’s efforts to combat homelessness and provide affordable housing.

Such stances has brought Amazon criticism from local residents and politicians, who say Amazon has not paid its fair share. That sentiment fueled local resistance during Amazon’s search for its new headquarters. Amazon faced intense opposition once it selected the dual locations of its second headquarters in Arlington and New York’s Long Island City. The push back in New York was so fierce that Amazon ultimately pulled out of that location.

Amazon said it has already made significant contributions toward fighting homelessness in Seattle. The company said in its press release that it has donated over $130 million to local nonprofits Mary’s Place and FareStart since 2016, including annual rent.

Amazon said its new donation to Plymouth Housing in Seattle will help support the organization’s efforts which include providing permanent homes and services for people with physical disabilities, mental illnesses or chemical dependency. The Arlington Community Foundation helps local nonprofits through grants and special initiatives, according to the press release, focusing on homelessness prevention, education, arts, youth and families in need.

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