Homeless Services

Information about housing assistance, shelters and homeless services, cooling centers and winter shelter, and what to do if you are concerned about an unsheltered individual.
Page updated on November 6, 2024 at 12:55 PM
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Homeless Services Assessment Center (HSAC)

As part of the City of Alexandria Continuum of Care response to homelessness, HSAC allows for the efficient and effective connection of persons to services through a comprehensive assessment. Additionally, all persons will be assessed for diversion services, creating an opportunity to address the housing crisis with targeted assistance while averting unnecessary entry into the shelter system.   

If you are experiencing a housing crisis, call 703.746.5700 or walk in to meet with a member of the HSAC staff.

Del Pepper Community Resource Center 
4850 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22311 
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Except holidays) 

After hours, families and individuals experiencing a housing crisis and needing emergency overnight stay should contact the Alexandria Community Shelter or Carpenter's Shelter. 

PATH Homeless Assistance Program

Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, known as PATH, is a federal, state and local partnership that provides outreach and assistance to adults with serious mental illness who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. PATH services include community-based outreach and access to mental health, substance abuse, case management and other supportive services.

Also see the Homeless Services Assessment Center for more information. 

For more information, call the PATH Coordinator at 703.746.5973 or the Director of the Office of Community Services 703.746.5862.

Warming and Cooling Centers

During the winter, warming centers are offered at libraries and recreation centers to provide relief from the cold for community members who may not have access to a warm shelter during the day. For warming center locations and hours, visit alexandriava.gov/122602.

During excessive heat days in the summer, libraries and recreation centers serve as cooling centers and may offer extended hours.

Winter Shelter

UPDATE! The City of Alexandria's Winter Shelter season will begin Friday, November 1.

The City of Alexandria Winter Shelter, also called Hypothermia Shelter, ensures that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have a warm, clean and safe environment to retreat from the elements of weather at night. The Winter Shelter, operated by Carpenter's Shelter, is open nightly from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. regardless of weather from Friday, November 1 through Tuesday, April 15. The Winter Shelter provides supportive services and resources necessary to assist residents in obtaining stable housing.

2355-A Mill RD. (LEFT SIDE OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE, NEXT TO THE FENCE)

This location serves families and single individuals experiencing homelessness. To reach the Winter Shelter, call 571.652.9984.

  • Hours are 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. daily
  • Winter Shelter will not be providing transportation to the shelter.
  • In cases of inclement weather conditions, families and single individuals may be able to access the Winter Shelter before 7 p.m. Contact shelter for more information.

TRANSPORTATION

No shuttle service will be provided this year. For anyone in need of transportation, the bus routes to the shelter are listed below.

BUS/ TRAIN ROUTES TO WINTER SHELTER

From Carpenter’s Shelter:

  • DASH Bus 30
  • Depart from MONTGOMERY ST & N PATRICK ST
  • Board DASH Bus 30 towards BRADDOCK RD METRO STATION - BAY D
  • Arrive at BRADDOCK RD STA & BUS BAY D
     

From Braddock Road MetroRail Station:

 DASH Bus 32 

YELLOW LINE (TRAIN)

From City Hall:

 DASH Bus 30

  • Walk - 0.1 miles to N FAIRFAX ST & KING ST
  • Departs from N FAIRFAX ST & KING ST
  • Board DASH Bus 30 towards LANDMARK TRANSIT CTR
  • Arrive at KING ST-OLD TOWN STATION + BUS BAY B
     

From 4850 Mark Center Drive

  • Walk to Mark Center Station
  • Take DASH Bus 35 Pentagon Metro Via Beauregard St
  • Ride to Pentagon Transit Ctr + Bus Bay U7
  • Walk to Pentagon Enter at Metrobus Island, S Rotary Rd. (South)
  • Wait for METRORAIL YELLOW LINE Huntington Towards Huntington
  • Ride to Eisenhower Ave Metrorail Station
  • Walk to 2355 Mill Road

David's Place Day Shelter

David's Place is located at 930 North Henry Street, the original location of Carpenter’s Shelter. Program hours are 7-9 a.m. Services include:

  • Laundry and showers 
  • Last load at 8:30 a.m.

Individuals seeking emergency shelter are encouraged to go to 4850 Mark Center Drive to complete the screening on a walk-in basis. Phone screening appointments are also available as needed by contacting the call center at 703.746.5700. Once screened, individuals will be added to the wait list and referred once a bed is available at Alexandria Community Shelter or Carpenter's Shelter.

More About Homeless Services

The City takes a “continuum of care” approach to homelessness designed to promote community wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. The Office of Community Services and their partners--which range from other City programs and services to national and local nonprofits like  Catholic Charities,  Volunteers of America Chesapeake,  Carpenter’s Shelter,  Community Lodgings and  ALIVE!--coordinate together to provide a wide range of services, minimize the trauma associated with homelessness and dislocation, and optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Helping residents experiencing homelessness is complex and challenging. As many different people you encounter who are homeless, there are that many different stories. The causes of homelessness include the national housing crisis and lack of low-income housing, unemployment, decreasing opportunities for work and the erosion of safety net programs. Often people experience the loss of a job or have a health crisis that leaves them choosing between paying the rent or paying for an expensive prescription or medical care. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the national housing crisis, putting many at risk of eviction, foreclosure and homelessness. 

Transitioning residents out of homelessness can be a slow process, which sometimes takes years. According to  EndHomelessness.org, people experiencing chronic homelessness (those who have experienced homelessness for at least a year) typically have complex and long-term conditions, such as mental health issues, substance use disorders, physical disabilities or other conditions. Once someone becomes homeless, it is difficult for them to get back into housing and they can face long or repeated episodes of homelessness.

DCHS proactively and regularly reaches out and engages residents experiencing homelessness year around, offering the effective and essential safety net services designed to improve their lives and transition them out of homelessness. DCHS values individual personal choice and self-determination and does not force services on anyone, but staff work hard to ensure everyone is aware of the supportive services with the City and their right to access them and transition out of homelessness.

What You Can Do if You Encounter Someone Experiencing Homelessness

If you see someone who looks in need of housing supports, there are  a couple of options. 

  • If you have engaged the individual in conversation and learn that they are in need of supportive services, let them know they can call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 or walk-in for services at 4850 Mark Center Drive during business hours. Staff will support them by identifying the next steps in assisting them with their current situation. Once screened, individuals will be added to the waitlist and referred once a bed is available at Alexandria Community Shelter or Carpenter's Shelter. During the winter months, let them know about the City's Winter Shelter Program run by Carpenter's Shelter (703.548.7500), which is open daily from November 1 through April 15. You can also share with them the Alexandria Community Resources Card, also available as an easy-to-print two-sided flyer.

  • If you aren’t comfortable engaging in conversion,  contact Alex 311 to report your observations; please refrain from taking photos of residents experiencing homelessness out of respect for their privacy. Your report will be sent to DCHS staff, who will go out and speak to the person within 24-48 business hours and offer available support and resources. DCHS values individual personal choice and does not force services on anyone, but staff work hard to ensure everyone is aware of the supportive services with the City and their right to access them and transition out of homelessness.
  • For more immediate welfare checks, call the police non-emergency line at 703.746.4444.

Learn about more ways you can help or raise awareness about homelessness from resources shared during the National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month and 2020 National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Awareness Week.

Shelters & Resources

SHELTERS

ALEXANDRIA COMMUNITY SHELTER

2355-B Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314 - 703.746.3660
The Alexandria Community Shelter is a City-owned; 64-bed emergency shelter operated by Volunteers of America Chesapeake. Shelter is provided for men, women and families.

CARPENTER’S SHELTER

930 North Henry Street
Carpenter’s Shelter  is a 60-bed facility that supports those experiencing homelessness in achieving sustainable independence by providing shelter, guidance, education and advocacy.

EVICTION STORAGE 

The Eviction Storage program provides furniture storage and emergency shelter referrals for eligible low-income households facing immediate eviction. Call 703.746.5700 for more information.

RESOURCES

Community Resources List

View below list of community resources.

Drop-In Day Program

David’s Place 703.548.7500
930 N. Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Monday-Saturday 7–9 a.m.
Closed Sun; showers, laundry & phone/mail service available

Shelters / Homeless Services

Alexandria Community Shelter 703.746.3660
2355-B Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
Referral from HSAC required

Alexandria Winter Shelter 703.477.5773
2355-A Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
Open nightly from Dec–Mar and weather-dependent
in Nov and Apr; COA Residents only/Self-referral;
Open 7 p.m.–7 a.m. nightly

Carpenter’s Shelter 703.548.7500
930 N. Henry St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Referral from HSAC required
*Family Shelter Only*

Falls Church Emergency Winter Shelter 703.854.1400
217 Gordon Road, Falls Church, VA 22046
Nov 15–Mar 31, 6 p.m.–8 a.m.

Homeless Services Assessment Center (HSAC) 703.746.5700
4850 Mark Center Dr., 5th Fl., Alexandria, VA 22311

Eleanor Kennedy Shelter 703.799.0200
9155 Richmond Hwy, Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060
Self-referral; call daily to ask about space availability

Embry Rucker Community Shelter 703.437.1975
11975 Bowman Towne Dr., Reston, VA 20190
Self-referral; call daily to ask about space availability

Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter 703.820.7621
5914 Seminary Road, Falls Church, VA 22041
Self-referral; call daily to ask about space availability

Emergency & financial Assistance Programs

Catholic Charities 703.548.4227 (Press 5)
125 S. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314
Email: ea-ch@ccda.net; rent and utilities

Christ Church 703.549.1450 ext. 306
118 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Rent, utilities, medical, sec. deposits; must live in Alexandria

Department of Community and Human Services
4850 Mark Center Dr., 5th Fl., Alexandria, VA 22311
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Homeless prevention, energy assistance, benefits
programs, child welfare and other human services

Northern Virginia Family Services 571.748.2500
www.nvfs.org/covid-19-emergency-assistance-program
Must apply online at the address listed
Childcare, co-pays, food, health, housing and utilities

Salvation Army 703.548.0579
107 E. Bellefonte Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Call for an appointment for financial assistance; utilities
Will request photo ID, disconnect notice, proof of income and
proof of residence

St. Joseph Catholic Church 571.312.8408
Call & leave a detailed message; will call back
Rent, medical: will help with rent if facing eviction; can help
with medicines not covered by insurance

St. Rita’s Church 703.836.1356
3815 Russell Road, Alexandria, VA 22305
Call and leave a detailed message; will call back
Rent, medical rent, utilities, medical, sec. deposits, food
Must live in the City of Alexandria

St. Paul’s Lazarus Ministry 703.549.3312 ext. 66
228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Call and leave a message; will call back
Rent, utilities, medical, sec. deposits; must live in Alexandria

St. Vincent de Paul 703.836.1724
310 S. Royal St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Call and leave a message; will call back
Must live in the City of Alexandria; inside 395 corridors

Legal Assistance

ID Assistance – Department of Community and Human
Services 703.746.5700 ; Must be a COA Resident

Legal Services of Northern Virginia 703.684.5566
100 N. Pitt St., Suite 307, Alexandria, VA 22314

Virginia Lawyer Referral Service 1.800.552.7977

Victim/Witness Assistance & Commonwealth’s Attorney
703.746.4100; Mon-Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Veterans / Aging / Disabled

Adult Protective Services 703.746.5778

Aging & Adult Services 703.746.5999
4850 Mark Center Dr., 9th Fl., Alexandria, VA 22311

DOT –Transportation Information 703.746.4084

Metro Access 301.562.5360
Low-cost transportation for disabled and elderly individuals

Senior Taxi 703.746.5999
For seniors 60+; call to apply

Veteran Administration Medical Center 202.745.8000
50 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20422

Veterans Crisis Line 800.273.8255 Press 1
Confidential help line for veterans in crisis

Wounded Warrior Program 571.258.3900
Assistance for veterans of any era

Meals

Breakfast

Old Presbyterian Meeting House 703.549.6670
323 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Breakfast served on Thursdays 6-8 a.m.

Old Town Community Church 703.982.0549
212 S Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Breakfast served Wednesdays 6–8 a.m.

Old Town Deli 703.836.8028
109 N. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Breakfast served Tuesday 8–10 a.m.

Washington Street United Methodist Church
109 South Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Breakfast served Mon and Fri 6–8 a.m.

Lunch

Meade Memorial Episcopal Church 703.549.1334
322 N. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Brown Bag Lunch Program, Mon–Fri, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Hot Meal, Saturdays Oct–Mar, 12:30–1:30 p.m.

Dinner

Christ House 703.548.4227
131 S. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Evening Meal, daily 4:30–5:30 p.m.,
*Meals will be served to go*

Hunger Free Alexandria 703.662.1067
Food pantry locations and schedules: hungerfreealexandria.com
Text the word FOOD (or COMIDA) to 877-877 to find nearest
emergency food distribution sites

Meals on Wheels 703.746.5999, COA residents who are 60+

Health & Mental Health & Substance Use Support

Emergency Mental Health Services 703.746.3401

Non-Emergency Mental Health 703.746.4444

Alexandria Community Services Board 703.746.3400
4850 Mark Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311
Services for people with mental illness, intellectual disability
and/or substance use disorders

Alexandria Health Department 703.746.4996
4850 Mark Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311
Free & confidential walk-in HIV testing Mon (5-7 p.m) and
Wed (1-3 p.m); Dental Clinic 703.535.5568

Alexandria Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (ANHSI)
703.535.5568 (extension 5211 or 5901)
2 East Glebe Road, Alexandria, VA 22314

Casey Health Center 703.746.4886
OBGYN, Pregnancy and Post-Partum Services
1200 N. Howard St., Alexandria, VA 22304

National Capital Treatment & Recovery 703.841.0703 ext. 1
521 N Quincy St., Arlington, VA 22203
Substance Abuse Treatment Center

Thrift Stores

Christ House Thrift Shop 703.548.4227
125 S. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Thur–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Prevention of Blindness Look Again Thrift Store
703.683.2588
900 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Tue–Fri & Sun 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Salvation Army Thrift Store 703.642.9270
6528 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312
Mon–Sat, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

ReENTRY RESOURCES

Alexandria Criminal Justice Services 703.746.4547
Local Probation & Pretrial Services
2003 Mill Road, Alexandria, VA 22314

Friends of Guest House 703.549.8072
1 East Luray Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301
Re-entry support and services for women

Offender Aid & Restoration (OAR) 703.228.7030
1400 N. Uhle St., Unit 704, Arlington, VA 22201
Reentry programs and services

Virginia Department of Corrections 571.414.6868
Probation & Parole – District 36
4740 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22304

Employment / Education

Literacy Council of Northern Virginia 703.237.0866
2855 Annandale Road #114, Falls Church, VA 22042

Virginia Employment Commission 703.813.1300
5520 Cherokee Ave., Alexandria, VA 22312
Employment search assistance and access to computers

Workforce Development Center 703.746.5940
4850 Mark Center Dr., 5th Fl., Alexandria, VA 22311
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Employment search assistance

other important numbers

Emergency 911
Non-Emergency 703.746.4444
Adult Protective Services 703.746.5778
Alexandria Sexual Assault Center Hotline 703.683.7273
Alexandria Domestic Violence Hotline 703.746.4911
Child Abuse and Neglect Complaints 703.746.5800
Crisis Link 703.527.4077; or text “CONNECT” to 855-11
Detox Services 703.746.3636
Emergency Mental Health Services 703.746.3401