Paul Allen to donate $30M to permanent housing for homeless

SEATTLE – Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen will donate $30 million toward the development of a new housing facility for people who are homeless in Seattle.

The gift will help cover design and construction costs for Mercy Housing Northwest, a local nonprofit that will operate the facility.

The Seattle Times reported Mayor Ed Murray said Wednesday the city will put $5 million toward the project.

Paul Allen Family Foundation spokesman Paul Butler says the plan has been in the works since last year and that the facility will be geared toward homeless families.

He says it also will include an on-site service center for residents and the wider community.

The location and size of the project has yet to be determined.

Murray and King County Executive Dow Constantine declared states of emergency over homelessness in 2015.