Resources Update: Work-Based Learning Program; Support Group for Teen Survivors; Reusable Bags to SNAP and WIC Recipients; Warming Centers; Winter Shelter; Vaccine Pop-Ups for Ages 5+; and More

We encourage residents and faith-based and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks.

Page updated on March 18, 2022 at 7:49 AM
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Resources Update: Work-Based Learning Program; Support Group for Teen Survivors; Reusable Bags to SNAP and WIC Recipients; Warming Centers; Winter Shelter; Vaccine Pop-Ups for Ages 5+; Free Rides to Vaccine Sites for 60+; Assistance with Food, Rent, College and Career; and More 

A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE 
 

Resources Feature for Connect Web Image

December 16, 2021--Twice monthly, DCHS highlights new and existing resources to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 crisis or those in need.  

We encourage residents and faith-based and nonprofit organizations to share these resources with their neighbors and networks. You can also learn 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. 

Upcoming Vaccine Events on December 16-18 and 20-22

  • There are multiple clinics every week around the city where adults and children aged 5 and up can receive their first and second free doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as booster shots. 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 older 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. Individuals do not need to be signed up for Senior Taxi for this service. The senior may bring one companion with them at no charge; however, they must arrange for their own companion. To schedule a trip, please make a vaccination appointment first, then call 703.746.5999 to schedule the trip at least two days prior to the appointment. Callers will be asked to provide basic demographic information, then, they will receive a return call to confirm details of the transportation to and from the appointment. 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 to learn about the Division and its work, services offered and the people it helps.

Free Narcan Mail delivery to Alexandria’s Residents and Employees:

  • City residents 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. Narcan is an easy-to-use nasal spray that can save the life of someone experiencing an opioid overdose. For more information on Narcan visit alexandriava.gov/Opioids. * Narcan by mail is available to City of Alexandria residents and employees only.

New Work-Based Learning Program

  • The City of Alexandria is launching a work-based learning (WBL) program that matches job seekers to employers and utilizes the workplace as an environment where individuals can apply and expand upon their knowledge and technical skills while earning a stipend of at least $15/hour. The first WBL cohort for January 2022 is full, but additional cohorts are available for 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.

Weekly Jobs Flyer, Workshops and Skills Training 

College and Career 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 here. Learn more at Alexandriava.gov/ProjectDiscovery.

Winter Shelter is Now Open in Two Locations

  • The City’s Winter Shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness is now open in two locations: one serving single adults at 2355 Mill Rd and another at 930 North Henry St. for families only. The opening is weather-driven until December 1 when the shelters are open nightly regardless of weather conditions until  the end of March. For April 1-15 the openings are dependent on the weather again. 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.

Warming Centers Open During Daytime

The City provides several locations as options to those without heating in their homes, including recreation centers and libraries. Safety measures will be followed in all facilities in accordance with federal, state and local health COVID-19 guidelines. Alexandrians are also encouraged to check on neighbors who may be at risk of hypothermia and keep pets indoors as much as possible. For warming center locations and more information, visit alexandriava.gov/122602.

Rental and Eviction Prevention Assistance 

  • Alexandria Eviction Prevention staff are available in-person for immediate assistance every Wednesday and Thursday from 12-3 p.m. at Casa Chirilagua (4109 Mt. Vernon Ave.). Call 571.351.3272 or email volunteerAEPP@alive-inc.org. 
  • Access City and state rental and eviction prevention assistance for renters and landlords through the Office of Housing and DCHS. Learn more. 

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, in advance of the plastic bag tax going into effect on January 1, 2022. The bag can be used for shopping at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores to avoid the five-cent per bag fee. For more information and pickup locations, visit alexandriava.gov/123190.

ALIVE! Food Distribution Pop-Ups 

Support Group for Teen Survivors

  • Alexandria’s Sexual Assault Center is hosting a series of in-person teen support group meetings called “Circle of Hope” for students aged 14 and up attending Alexandria High School who survived sexual violence. The group is aimed at educating teen survivors about ways to identify triggers, develop coping skills and set boundaries. The meetings will begin on February 2, 2022, and will be hosted on Wednesdays for six weeks during lunch from 11:19 a.m. to 12:33 p.m. To register, contact Shanice Smith at Shanice.smith@alexadriava.gov. To learn more about the upcoming meetings, view and download a printable flyer.

Child Care Assistance 

  • Assistance During COVID-19: Child Care Subsidy Program Expanded to Include those Job Searching and Families Earning 85% of Virginia Median Income. Temporary expansion for the Child Care Subsidy Program will help parents afford child care and find or maintain employment as Virginia takes steps toward recovery from the COVID-19 public health crisis. See the flyer in English and Spanish. There are two categories of expanded eligibility: one based on job search and the other based on the income for parents of young children. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2021. Learn more and apply online.

For more information on 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.