Shannon Steene says that a ritual with keys is his favorite part of the job as executive director of Carpenter’s Shelter.
On the days when clients at the homeless shelter move out to transition into newfound housing, staff and other residents will say goodbye to them by jingling their keys. Now after 11 years leading the nonprofit, Steene said he’s looking forward to his own departure ceremony of sorts, as he’s stepping down later this month to lead Reston-based nonprofit Cornerstones.
Housing nonprofit Community Lodgings, Inc. (CLI) is asking for an extension to redevelop an existing 28-unit affordable apartment building in the Arlandria neighborhood with more housing.
CLI is planning to construct a six-story, 91-unit affordable apartment building at 3908 Elbert Avenue, more-than tripling the amount of units the property currently has. The nonprofit, which received approval for the project in February 2023, previously said in its application that it wouldn’t have been able to break ground before the expiration of its development special use permit, which passed yesterday (Wednesday).
Update: Agenda Alexandria has rescheduled this event to 7 p.m. March 23, due to inclement weather.
Housing development and affordability will be the subject of Agenda: Alexandria’s next program, now expected to take place in March.
Former Alexandria City Councilman Frank Fannon is hosting his 18th annual Alexandrians Have Heart food and clothes drive in Old Town on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Fannon started the drive after getting elected to City Council in 2008, and says that he’s hoping this year to deliver a record six Ford F-150-sized truck beds full of food and clothes to ALIVE!, Carpenter’s Shelter and Christ House.
Shannon Steene, the longtime executive director of Carpenter’s Shelter, is stepping down next month, the organization announced today (Wednesday).
After 11 years leading one of Northern Virginia’s largest homeless shelters, Steene will be departing the role to be the CEO of Reston-based Cornerstones, providing advocacy and support to people who need food, shelter, housing, child care and other services in northwestern Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County.
Roberto Gomez, executive director of nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman, will soon launch a special election campaign for an open seat on City Council.
Gomez plans to formally announce his candidacy at the Alexandria Democratic Committee’s meeting on Monday, he told ALXnow. The 38-year-old longtime West End resident said he is prepared to outwork opponents and can relate to the city’s underserved constituencies.
The annual Empty Bowls Alexandria event is returning next month as host ALIVE! says demands for food, housing and emergency financial assistance are on the rise.
In its ninth year, the historically sold-out event brings local restaurants and artisans together to fundraise for the nonprofit’s efforts to address food and housing insecurity. The event comes as ALIVE! has weathered the region’s economic losses over the past year, with requests for support up roughly 30% since the fall, spokesperson Grace Terlinden told ALXnow.
Girl Scout cookie season is back, and it’s coming soon to Alexandria.
In-person cookie booth sales with Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital return next week on Friday, Feb. 6. Shoppers will be able to snag the classics like Thin Mints and Trefoils, as well as a new rocky road ice cream-flavored cookie, Exploremores.
Rosie Allen-Herring has been tapped as interim president and CEO of Alexandria-based United Way Worldwide, after several years leading the nonprofit’s National Capital Area branch.
Allen-Herring, who has directed United Way NCA since 2013, will succeed former UWW President and CEO Angela Williams next Monday, Feb. 2. Williams announced her retirement in December after four years leading the nonprofit, which is headquartered in Old Town at 701 N. Fairfax Street.
Volunteers in Alexandria filled 2,300 backpacks with school supplies for distribution across the region today (Wednesday), in memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The backpacks will be sent to seven Title I middle schools in the area, including Francis C. Hammond Middle School. It’s all part of United Way National Capital Area’s Stuff the Bus campaign, which distributes the donated supplies in an effort to support local schools.
An Alexandria-based nonprofit is planning a concert to raise funds for local child abuse prevention programs.
The Center for Alexandria’s Children has announced its annual “Banding Together: A Benefit Concert to End Child Abuse,” which is planned from 7-10:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron Street). This year’s lineup includes local performers from School of Rock Alexandria and Guilty Ghost, led by Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter.
