Connect is a news publication from the Department of Community and Human Services. It includes information and highlights about programs and services within the Department.
Page updated on January 10, 2025 at 10:38 AM
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Teaching Artist Nephelie Andonyadis of the Arts for the Aging facilitated the creation of a collaborative art project among senior participants of the City’s Adult Day Services Center.
The Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is a coordinated community effort to ensure that victims of sexual assault receive an effective and compassionate response. SART also works together to prevent sexual assault in the community.
The annual Point-in-Time Count (PIT Count), conducted on January 24, 2024, provides a one-night snapshot of the number of persons experiencing homelessness as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).
The City of Alexandria takes a “continuum of care” approach to homelessness designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.
With summer approaching and kids soon to be out of school, working parents, particularly those with low incomes, may find themselves facing gaps in the supervision of their children.
In support of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, the City of Alexandria’s Opioid Treatment Program worked to raise awareness about fentanyl-laced illicit drugs, ways that residents can prevent substance misuse, and treatment resources to manage substance use disorders.
Hear from a $500/month guaranteed income recipient in the Alexandria Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE) pilot study, on how it is affecting their life.
Highlights of resources to support individuals and families. We encourage residents, faith-based, and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks.
The City of Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ Task Force is the 2023 winner of Equality Northern Virginia's Equality Award. Plus, save the date for Alexandria Pride 2024 and apply to be an exhibitor.
The Alexandria Commission on Aging (COA) is seeking nominations for its annual Excellence in Aging Awards. The submission deadline is Friday, March 29 at 5 p.m.
On Saturday, April 13, come and strengthen partnerships between families and early childhood educators. Learn to prioritize self-care and create environments where young children can thrive.
The Children, Youth & Families Collaborative Commission is seeking nominations for the 2024 Champions of Children Award! The submission deadline for nominations is Friday, April 12.
The report summarizes food insecurity for families in Alexandria, resources, the experiences of people accessing food programs, and recommendations for improvements.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches the initial help given to a person showing signs of a mental health crisis. City of Alexandria residents and employees can complete the two-session eight-hour course virtually to earn a MHFA certification.
As we celebrate African American History throughout February, DCHS’s Veteran Services Program highlights the achievements and key roles African Americans...
Bloomberg Philanthrophies awarded the City of Alexandria a “What Works Cities Silver Certification” in recognition of for the City’s work in preventing eviction...
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) has received re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)...
The Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP) announces “Wrap Up, Alexandria,” a new program that aims to make condoms more readily available...
The City of Alexandria Children & Youth Community Plan 2025 (CYCP) sets long-term priorities and provides a roadmap to success through community-wide coordination and delivery of services to all city children...
The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) and its partners invited Alexandrians of all ages to join the community celebration, “A Trend to Get Behind: Celebrating 15 Years of Prevention."
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) is aware of an increase in survivors of sexual assault who utilized online dating apps...
For Attendance Awareness Month this September, DCHS, the Alexandria Health Department, and Alexandria City Public Schools collaborated to highlight the Teen Wellness Center, a medical clinic created to provide accessible health services to youth ages of 12-19.
The City of Alexandria Children & Youth Community Plan 2025 (CYCP) sets long-term priorities and provides a roadmap to success through community-wide coordination and delivery of services to all city children from birth to 21 years-old and their families...
The Department of Community and Human Services reminds parents and caregivers to review child supervision guidelines and see ways to access opportunities for financial assistance as well as tips for finding childcare...
The Alexandria LGBTQ Task Force kicked off Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month by hosting its annual Pride Month Fair for the sixth year on June 3...
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) observed Medicare Fraud Prevention Week June 5 – 11, 2023. DCHS took this opportunity to educate the public about steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe...
The Alexandria Library has joined the City of Alexandria’s gun lock distribution program to provide no-cost firearm cable and trigger locks to the public beginning June 1, 2023...
The City of Alexandria Children & Youth Community Plan 2025 (CYCP) sets long-term priorities and provides a roadmap to success through community-wide coordination and delivery of services to all city children from birth to 21 years-old...
The Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) honored the City of Alexandria’s Office of Community Services (OCS) with the Mark Grigsby Selfless Leader Award during Community Action month...
The Alexandria Community Services Board (CSB), which provides behavioral health services within the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), recognized nurses in honor of National Nurses Week...
The Alexandria Commission on Aging (COA) held its annual Excellence in Aging Awards Program. The COA, which advocates for the needs of older residents in Alexandria, honored one organization and several individuals who provided services to older Alexandrians.
The City of Alexandria encouraged residents to safely dispose of unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians, during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day...
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and the Alexandria Health Department (AHD), along with Neighborhood Health and several other City offices, have moved to the new Redella S. “Del“ Pepper Community Center at 4850 Mark Center Drive.
In recognition of National Alcohol Awareness Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) and the Alexandria Sexual Assault Center (SAC) hosted a series of events and activities encouraging residents to learn the risks associated with alcohol use and sexual violence...
The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count provides a one-night unduplicated “snapshot” of persons experiencing homelessness. The results help convey the scope of homelessness, identify and assess unmet needs and gaps in services, inform funding and other planning decisions, and evaluate progress made in preventing and ending homelessness.
Highlights of new and existing resources to support individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. We encourage residents, faith-based and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks.
The City of Alexandria and Arlington County are offering residents the opportunity to obtain substance use withdrawal support and recovery services in a residential setting, traditionally known as detox. The City formed an agreement with Arlington, which has contracted National Capital Treatment & Recovery to provide withdrawal support and recovery services for the use of alcohol and other drugs through the Arlington Recovery Center (ARC).
Recent years have been challenging for the early childhood workforce. The need for an equitable and accessible early care and education system in Alexandria is paramount. Partner organizations are committed to building and supporting the early childhood workforce.
City of Alexandria foster parents Emily and Peter were recently recognized by the organization “Together We Rise” for the care they provide to a child. Learn about ways to support children in foster care.
The prevention of child abuse is everyone’s responsibility. Individuals and groups are encouraged to learn how to prevent abuse and respond when concerned about the safety of a child. Read about potential signs of abuse and see the available trainings.
Join the City for a free virtual training to learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their impact on the brain and how to support the children and adults affected.
The City’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is sponsoring activities and events around the community to raise awareness of sexual assault and support survivors.
Learn about options for medication disposal, including temporary collection sites on April 30, permanent medication drop-off locations, a new permanent needle disposal box and methods for disposing of medication safely at home.
Applying for or receiving benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) does not make anyone a public charge and it will not be considered in a public charge determination.
Studies show that when firearms are accessible, individuals are three times more likely to die by suicide, and most people who die by suicide use firearms, poisons or medications. Help limit access to lethal means through locking devices and access help for people in need.
The program matches job seekers with participating employers and creates an environment where individuals can apply and expand upon their skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour.
The report outlines the Department’s accomplishments around a wide range of services and programs aimed at improving the lives of Alexandria’s residents.
Senior Services of Alexandria is seeking volunteers to distribute meals to a number of families with children in the city during the week of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Kaiser Permanente Community Health Access Program (CHAP) is providing health care coverage with no monthly payments to 75 City of Alexandria residents
The 30-Day Racial Equity Challenge is an educational tool used to advance deeper understanding of the intersections of race, power, privilege, supremacy and oppression.
The City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services is accepting applications for the Fuel Assistance Program through Friday, November 12.
Members of Alexandria’s Police Department together with their service dogs wore purple bandanas during October in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The Alexandria Sexual Assault Center is bringing back Resiliency Yoga, a series of gentle and mindful yoga classes offered to survivors and co-survivors of sexual assault.
The City of Alexandria encourages youth to apply to Project Discovery, a college and career readiness program that helps low income and first-generation college students to access opportunities in higher education.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The City of Alexandria Domestic Violence Program (DVP) is reminding the community about how to recognize it and how to access help.
Alexandria was the first locality in Virginia to extend protections to gays and lesbians through its human rights ordinance. In recognition of October as LGBTQ+ History Month, DCHS is sharing information and stories about queer history in the city.
Residents have several options to safely dispose of unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications, including those prescribed by veterinarians, during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 23 and year-round.
The program pairs a specially trained law enforcement officer and a licensed, behavioral health clinician to respond in tandem to calls for persons experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
Participants wanting to obtain their records should call the Health Information Unit at 703.746.3555 or email MHMedicalRecords@alexandriava.gov before October 11.
Statistics link gun violence and domestic and sexual violence; education can play a significant role in preventing violence including violence related to families, particularly if it starts at an early age.
Events recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day include distributing free Narcan, fentanyl test strips and medication lockboxes at Market Square.
The Reentry Bag Program distributes substance use treatment and peer support information along with Narcan and fentanyl test strips to individuals who were formerly incarcerated and are reentering the community.
September is National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Community and Human Services encourages residents to access resources and help raise awareness
With the uncertainty around frequently changing eviction moratoriums and protections, the City urges landlords and renters to act now to prevent evictions by accessing rent relief assistance.
Residents and community members are invited to attend a community-wide virtual event to celebrate the second birthday of Alexandria’s trauma-informed community network on August 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
On August 10-12, 52 youth attended the free event that empowers emerging young leaders by providing training opportunities and connecting them to resources in the Alexandria community.
The Workforce Development Center is increasing access to the general public through two-hour appointments to conduct self-directed education and job search activities.
The course teaches risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders, the effects of the illnesses, an overview of treatments and a five-step action plan for helping someone with symptoms.
Alexandria City Council unanimously approved a $29.8 million allocation plan for the first quarter of the City’s allotment of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding
City of Alexandria in collaboration with the Successful Aging Committee invites nominations to recognize the experiences and achievements of residents who have lived a century or longer.
The Fund for Alexandria’s Child is hosting the “Families Helping Families: From Our Home to Yours Virtual Gala” on August 12 to help enrich the lives of children in foster care during this critical time in their development.
Alexandria resident Michael Johnson was the first person to step up to the podium at the July 6 Alexandria City Council meeting, the first in-person meeting since the pandemic began.
In the City of Alexandria, the Count identified 106 people who were homeless, this is a 49% decrease in the total homeless number from the 2020 PIT Count, which identified 207 individuals.
City of Alexandria is inviting community feedback on the Arlandria-Chirilagua Plan, which includes recommendations related to housing, land use, open space, transportation and more
The session featured content adapted from Zero to Three: The Growing Brain and highlighted the “Five R’s,” a theory of healthy brain development that can help professionals and parents caring for young children
DCHS is offering a virtual training course designed to help laypersons and paraprofessionals learn skills to support adolescents who are experiencing a mental health
The Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) is hosting three virtual community engagement opportunities to answer questions from residents about a new organizational restructure
DCHS Senior Therapist Supervisor Angela Connor and Alexandria resident Henry Johnson are among others from Alexandria and North Carolina who reflect on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in a special edition of the Voice of America (VOA)
The Opioid Work Group announces the launch of an Opioid Overdose Recovery Bag Program in partnership with paramedics in the Alexandria Fire Department.
The Department of Community and Human Services congratulates this year’s recipients of the Chamber ALX 40 Under 40 Honorees for their impact on the City of Alexandria.
The City’s expanding vaccination efforts and job opportunities available at vaccination sites are discussed in the latest episode of the Strive & Thrive Alexandria Podcast.
The Sexual Assault Center (SAC) and the Domestic Violence Program (DVP) are seeking volunteers to help support survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
The guaranteed income pilot program will provide direct, recurring cash payments of $500 a month, with no restrictions on use, to 150 Alexandria households for two years.
The service is available by appointment only to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below $55,000 for individuals and families.
Registration is open for Alexandria residents for classes and activities offered by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA)
The Department of Community and Human Services encourages community organizations and residents to utilize a new handout listing community resources for individuals at risk for or experiencing homelessness.
The spring session offers a variety of in-person options for all ages and new virtual programs, ranging from fitness and sports programs to environmental education, camps for children and creative and performing arts programs.
The City of Alexandria invites Alexandria high schoolers to apply for Keep It 360 Peer Advocates positions, which support prevention and outreach efforts.
The Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Alexandria (SAPCA) encourages residents to clean out home medicine cabinets and safely dispose of medications this week.
The City is offering free tax preparation services by appointment only to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below $55,000 for individuals and families.
Jaqueline Tucker is one of three panelists during Agenda Alexandria’s “Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Alexandria,” an online conversation with local and national leaders.
NAMI Ending the Silence is a free virtual educational event focusing on the warning signs of mental health conditions in youth and what steps parents and caregivers can take to help children get support.
SPAN encourages residents to educate themselves and others on ways to prevent suicide and strengthen mental health by accessing and promoting resources on a newly redesigned website.
The regional program provides services like free job training, paid work experiences, career coaching, resume writing assistance, job readiness workshops, online job fairs, virtual training and financial coaching.
Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center offers a safety net for low-income Alexandrians receiving mental health or developmental disability services.
Special collections took place at four locations in Alexandria during the event, which provides a safe and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.
The Commission for Women and the Friends of the Commission for Women are lighting City Hall purple this week in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Day (Wear Purple Day) on October 22.
The ALX Cares Grocery Gift Card Program provides eligible Alexandria residents with pre-paid grocery cards in denominations of $100, $200 and $400 through December, or for as long as funding is available.
Access more than 5,500 free online self-paced workplace, business, technical and IT courses through SkillUp, an local initiative to help workers recently laid-off as well as those who are looking to change careers.
Millions of Americans, many of them low income, may not know they are eligible or how to submit their information and receive their stimulus check. You can help.
The annual event, which was hosted virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, helps raise funds to directly benefit children in foster care and children at risk for abuse and neglect.
The City of Alexandria Sexual Assault Center is hosting an eight week virtual support group for survivors of sexual assault beginning October 2. Register by September 15.
This summer, 201 Alexandria youth participated in a six-week virtual workforce experience during the Workforce Development Center’s Youth Employment Services (YES) 2020.
New Workforce Development Center customer call center provides faster service, enhances customer experience and introduces dedicated lines for English, Spanish, Amharic and Dari language speakers.
Watch a video and view slides from the second in a series of town hall discussions to promote sharing and understanding about how systemic racism impacts Alexandria
Alexandria youth can register through August 7 for the seventh annual Alexandria Youth Leadership Conference, which will be held virtually August 11-13.
The KeepIt360 Club was awarded a mini-grant by the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia (SPAN) for activities that focus on helping students learn about mental health and self-care.
The new system aims at improving the response to behavioral health crises, ensuring that such crises are responded to in a clinically appropriate manner, including a reduction in police involvement.
The meetings will be held virtually every Tuesday, starting January 25 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for six consecutive weeks. The group is open for age 18 and up from all genders.
The classes are meant to help participants improve their financial life, manage budget, improve income stability, advance monetary education, and reduce and eliminate debts.
Besides providing regular services to the community, those sites also offer short-term relief from the cold during winter days, free on-site Wi-Fi and power sources to charge personal devices and portable electronic gadgets.
Locally, the plan is intended to help residents who lost their careers due to plant closures, company downsizing, or some other significant change in market conditions, especially during the coronavirus pandemic which triggered a significant job loss in the labor market.
The relocation plan supports and aligns with the Department’s values, mission and vision of a community in which residents enjoy a sense of well-being, safety and self-sufficiency.
