Resources
Resources
A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE
April 7, 2022--Highlights of new and existing resources to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis or those in need.
We encourage residents, faith-based and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks. You can also hear about and share the latest resources and news by following DCHS on Facebook or Twitter or subscribing to the Spanish Language Text Line by texting ALEXINFOESP to 888777.
Winter Shelter Open until April 15
The City’s Winter Shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness remains open until April 15 in two locations: one serving single adults at 2355 Mill Rd and another at 930 North Henry St. for families. The nightly opening or closure is dependent on the weather. Both locations provide a warm, clean and safe environment for the guests. Transportation to and from the shelters is provided. The shelters perform health screenings for guests upon arrival. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/49636.
Rental and Eviction Prevention Assistance
Access City and state rental and eviction prevention assistance for renters and landlords through the Office of Housing and DCHS. Learn more.
COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters
Vaccines and boosters are currently available. They are safe, effective, free and they can save your life. Walk-ins are highly encouraged, but appointments can also be scheduled online. For general questions, please contact the Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline at 703.746.4988, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. As part of Alexandria's commitment to serving all communities, clinics are hosted at a variety of times in conveniently located neighborhood locations and do not require ID, insurance or English fluency. Access a schedule of locations and times.
Transportation for Vaccine Appointments for Older Adults
Free transportation through Alexandria Yellow Cab is available for adults aged 60+ to obtain their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Transportation will be provided to City of Alexandria residents to and from vaccination sites in or outside of the city. The senior may bring one companion with them at no charge. To schedule a trip, please make a vaccination appointment at least two days out, then call 703.746.5999 to schedule the trip. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/Aging.
*The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) serves seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Alexandria and helps them lead healthy and independent lives. Watch this video for more information.
Virtual Presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences, Ways to Mitigate Impact on Brain
Learn about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how you can support children and adults impacted by them during a virtual ACE presentation. The presentation will cover the impact of stress on the brain, how it affects a person over the course of their lifetime, and ways to promote resilience in youth and adults, so together everyone can create a healthier community. This training is appropriate for mental health professionals and the public. Register for an upcoming session: April 12 at 10 a.m. or April 22 at 9 a.m. Learn more about RAISE: Alexandria’s Trauma Informed Community Network.
Free Narcan Mail Delivery
Narcan is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. City of Alexandria residents and employees may obtain Narcan for free by emailing their name and mailing address to the City’s Opioid Response Coordinator at emily.bentley@alexandriava.gov. You can also obtain Narcan by appointment at the Alexandria Health Department by calling 703.746.4888. Narcan is also available without a prescription at all pharmacies. For more information on Narcan visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids.
Personal Finance and Career Building Classes
DCHS is hosting a series of personal finance and career building classes. All classes are free and will be held virtually on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and are meant to help participants improve their financial life, manage budgets, improve income stability, advance monetary education, and reduce and eliminate debts. It is encouraged to attend all classes. Participants will receive a $25 gift card for completing the first three classes or $75 gift card for finishing all six classes. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register, call 703.746.5700 or email brandon.hare@alexandriava.gov. View and download a printable flyer to learn more about upcoming sessions.
Jobs, Workshops and Skills Training
- See a list of employers who are hiring and the featured jobs flyer, compiled and released by the Workforce Development Center. Follow WDC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn for the latest flyer listing employers, or visit the WDC’s job board for a complete list of job opportunities.
- The City of Alexandria offers a work-based learning (WBL) program that matches job seekers to employers and utilizes the workplace to expand upon knowledge and technical skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour. Cohorts start on May 2 and August 29. Space is limited and job seekers must submit an application. Employers are also invited to partner with the City and join the employer network at no cost to identify future employees and save time and money in recruitment. Employers who are interested should complete this questionnaire. More information is available at alexandriava.gov/115059.
- Free Workshops and Training. Access free WDC job readiness and career development workshops--including interviewing skills, navigating the virtual job fair, transferable skills, one-on-one job coaching, networking and more--and over 5,000 SkillUp online skills training courses. Select WDC workshops are also available in Spanish.
College Readiness Assistance
The City encourages youth to apply to Project Discovery Alexandria (PDA), a college and career readiness program, helps low income and first-generation eligible students to access opportunities in higher education. Applicants can join free workshops, learn about scholarship opportunities and obtain help with academic planning. Join the program and start the application process. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/ProjectDiscovery.
Reusable Bags to SNAP and WIC Communities
The City is offering reusable bags to individuals and families receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. The bag can be used for shopping at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores to avoid the five-cent per bag fee that went into effect on January 1. For more information and pickup locations, visit alexandriava.gov/123190.
ALIVE! Food Distribution and Pop-Ups APRIL 2022
Please refer to ALIVE!'s website for any announcements regarding changes to the food distribution events.
- Weekend Food Distribution- Saturday, April 30 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Drive-through:
Cora Kelly Elementary School (3600 Commonwealth Ave)
NVCC Alexandria Campus (parking lot B-1 via 500 Dawes Ave)
Walk-up:
Cora Kelly Elementary School (3600 Commonwealth Ave)
William Ramsay Rec Center (5650 Sanger Ave)
- ALIVE! has increased their pop-up food distributions to bring food directly to clients’ neighborhoods. View the ALIVE! Food Distribution Calendar (April 2022) to see six food distribution dates or visit their website at www.alive-inc.org for more information.
- Learn more about additional food assistance resources.
General Resources
- For information on help with food, rent, health care, employment, child care and a wide range of resources available, visit Resources to Meet Basic Needs of those Impacted by COVID-19
- View or download a flyer to learn how to access a variety of essential services in English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.