A temporary funding measure has been passed to reopen the federal government. As federal workers and contractors return to work, programs and activities that were unavailable during the federal government shutdown will begin to operate again. More information will become available in the coming days.
The City of Alexandria will continue to deploy resources and provide information to assist those impacted in our community. The City works collaboratively with its partners to provide information and resources that may offer support, security, and stability for individuals, families, and businesses impacted during and after a shutdown.
How can the City of Alexandria help?
Help with Housing
If you are a homeowner looking for options such as a temporary agreement to lower your mortgage payments (home loan forbearance), paying your mortgage later (payment deferral), or help to avoid a foreclosure, visit our Homeowner Resources page.
You can also contact Housing Program Specialist Anelva Corcos Beltran at anelva.corcosbeltran@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3092 for help finding financial counseling, debt management assistance, foreclosure prevention, and mortgage modification assistance.
If you are a renter needing help with eviction prevention or rent assistance, call the Department of Community and Human Services at 703.746.5700.
Homeowners and renters can also call the City’s Office of Housing at 703.746.4990 for other resource help.
If you do not live in Alexandria and need help with homeowner resources, visit answers.hud.gov/housingcounseling for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counseling agencies.
Furloughed federal employees and contractors in Virginia are legally protected from eviction and foreclosure during the federal government shutdown.
Help with City Taxes and Parking Fines
The City is offering payment plan assistance by request to taxpayers directly affected by the federal shutdown, including
- Federal contractors doing business with a closed federal agency or a service provider to a closed federal agency
- Business owners or principals with family members who were furloughed federal employees
- Individuals or businesses with another demonstrable financial impact resulting from the federal shutdown.
While penalties and interest will continue to accrue under the law, payment plans can help defer the immediate outlay of funds.
How to request payment plans for current and delinquent taxes and parking citations
Email fedimpact-alextax@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4800.
Help with Childcare
Families participating in the State Subsidy childcare program have signed on with a 12-month eligibility. During your eligibility period, you can request that your childcare co-payment be lowered if you find yourself without income. Childcare subsidy staff are available to speak with families to discuss their ongoing childcare needs. Visit Childcare Assistance or call 703.746.5437.
If your child is enrolled in a City-sponsored recreation program, Out of School Time, Afterschool program, or other monthly programs, you may qualify for financial assistance. Learn more about RPCA’s Financial Assistance policy and read instructions on how to apply. For recreation activity assistance information, call 703.746.5414 or (TTY) 703.838.4902.
Help with Food
For information about how federal benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC program might change, visit the City's Food Assistance webpage. You can also find local food pantries, prepared meals, pet food, and other help on the page.
Capital Area Food Bank
Distributions will be held at locations throughout our existing partner network (3 in MD, 1 in VA, and 1 in DC). At each site, we will be providing 150 boxes of shelf stable goods and produce. To receive food, visitors will need to show a government work ID.
Help with Utilities
Check with your utility providers to learn about any assistance they may provide to federal employees/contractors on furlough. To find more information about getting assistance with utility bills, including gas and electric bills, visit our utility, heating, and cooling assistance page.
You may also apply for utility assistance through community programs and Virginia's CommonHelp.
Find out who your utility providers are at alexandriava.gov/Utilities.
Help with other Basic Needs
The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) provides Emergency Safety Net Services to residents who face an immediate crisis and need help to resolve the situation. For more information, please see the DCHS website or call the DCHS Customer Call Center at 703.746.5700.
ACT for Alexandria has launched NeighborShareALX, an online platform that connects neighbors in need with neighbors who can help. NeighborShareALX is a new way to meet urgent needs while building community connection and generosity. Visit nbshare.org/ALX to learn more!
Who else can I call if I need help?
For immediate police, fire or emergency medical assistance, call or text 911.
- 988/Regional Crisis Call Center
Call 988 or 703.527.4077/ Text 85511 - Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)
Emergency Services
Call 703.746.3401 – OR visit 4850 Mark Center Dr, 1st Floor
Alex311
For non-emergency requests call 703.746.4444 or submit an Alex311 request online or via social media via @alexandriava311.
What resources do you have for people out of work?
Visit alexandriava.gov/FederalWorkers to find job opportunities, training support, volunteer opportunities, and other services for job seekers.
If you need help starting a new business or if you run a business and are feeling the effects of a shutdown, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) provides free support for entrepreneurs, including customized one-on-one counseling and workshops on how to start, manage, or grow your business.
The Virginia Employment Commission, responsible for managing the state’s Unemployment Insurance benefits program, has issued guidance for furloughed federal employees looking to file claims for Unemployment Insurance during the federal government shutdown. Any benefits must be repaid once the federal funding impasse is resolved. Furloughed employees must meet all eligibility requirements to receive benefits, including actively seeking other work. Employees who are considered essential personnel and required to work without pay are not eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
Know Your Housing Rights
Because of a bill passed in 2020 and updated in 2025, in Virginia, furloughed federal employees and contractors are legally protected from eviction and foreclosure during any government shutdown. If you are furloughed or not receiving pay because of a federal government shutdown, you can:
- Request a 60‑day continuance of an eviction case if you can’t pay rent by showing the required proof
- Request a 60-day stay of foreclosure proceedings within 90 days of the shutdown's start or end
- Request a 60‑day foreclosure stay (as a landlord) if your own mortgage is in default because your tenant was furloughed or had lost pay
Will Alexandria close museums or other City facilities?
The City’s museums and historic sites, libraries, and parks, recreation, and art centers will stay open according to their regular schedules.
Admission to Historic Alexandria museums is always free to all Alexandria residents.
During the federal government shutdown, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal Street) and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105–107 S. Fairfax Street) will continue operating on their “summer” schedules to provide additional options for visitors and furloughed workers. Find out more at alexandriava.gov/go/7574.
Special Offer: Washington, D.C.-area hotel guests and federal government employees can claim two free Key to the City Attractions Passes (a $60+ value) at the Alexandria Visitor Center. Each pass includes admission to nine historic sites, plus coupons for 40% off tickets to George Washington’s Mount Vernon, tall ship Providence, and City Cruises’ Potomac Water Taxi. Hotel guests must present a room key or digital reservation confirmation, and federal employees must show a valid government ID.
Visit Alexandria Highlights Open Attractions and Things to Do
Explore Alexandria’s museums, attractions, and experiences open during the federal government shutdown at VisitAlexandria.com/GovernmentShutdown. Find updated information on local businesses and restaurants offering exclusive deals and discounts for federal workers during this time.
Helpful Tips to Navigate the Shutdown
Shutdown Guidance
The United States Office of Personnel Management provides guidance on shutdown furloughs.
Financial Institutions
Credit unions and banks may offer relief to customers and members impacted by a shutdown. Reach out to your financial institution to find out how they are supporting customers facing missed paychecks.
Scams
Be on the lookout for scams! Scammers try to take advantage of furloughed employees with too-good-to-be-true job offers and other scams. Don’t trust offers requiring you to pay your own money upfront. If you receive a call or message from a government agency, it may be fake.
Stress
It’s normal to feel stressed during the uncertainty of the government shutdown, even if you are not a federal worker. People react to stress in different ways; ask for help if it gets to be too much. Learn more about effective ways to cope with stress and how to access support when needed.