Resources Update: Vaccine Pop-Ups for Ages 5+; Free Rides to Vaccine Sites for 60+; Child Care Assistance; Winter Shelter; Assistance with Food, Rent, College and Career; and More
Resources Update: Vaccine Pop-Ups for Ages 5+; Free Rides to Vaccine Sites for 60+; Child Care Assistance; Winter Shelter; Assistance with Food, Rent, College and Career; and More
A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE
November 30, 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 November 30 and December 1-3, 6-10, and 13
- 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.
Free Health Coverage to 75 Residents through CHAP
- Kaiser Permanente Community Health Access Program (CHAP) is providing health care coverage with no monthly payments to 75 Alexandria residents who do not have or will not qualify for other types of medical insurance such as Medicaid, Medicare, a job-based health plan or the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Those are people who may rely solely on emergency rooms, free clinics or urgent care. Applicants do not have to be citizens of the United States to qualify. Individuals without documentation are welcome to apply. Applications will be received until December 15 or until the 75 Kaiser CHAP slots are filled; whichever occurs first. Availability is limited and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Start the application process by calling 703.746.5700 or by walking into the Department of Community & Human Services at 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. All required documentation must be submitted before December 15. Learn more.
Reminder: Medicare Open Enrollment Period
- Alexandria residents can make changes to their Medicare Insurance Benefits during Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15- December 7. Counselors from VICAP's Division of Aging and Adult Services can help City of Alexandria residents select a Medicare Advantage or Part D Prescription Plan. Complete the Medicare Information Form to get started. Learn more at alexandriava.gov/Aging.
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.
Weekly Jobs Flyer, Workshops and Skills Training
- Weekly Jobs Flyers. View this week’s lists of employers who are hiring, 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.
- 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.
- Skills Training Programs and Scholarships. Access training through Re-Employing Virginians and Fast Forward Virginia, two new programs to help Virginians gain skills and credentials in high demand fields and get back to work. Learn more.
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.
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.
ALIVE! Food Distribution Pop-Ups
- ALIVE! has increased their pop-up food distributions to bring food directly to clients’ neighborhoods. View the ALIVE! Food Distribution Calendar (November 2021) and ALIVE! Food Distribution Calendar (DECEMBER 2021) or visit their website at www.alive-inc.org for more information.
- Learn more about additional food assistance resources.
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:
- Emergency Safety Net Services
- Assistance for Workers and Job Seekers
- Child Care Assistance and Referral Programs
- Food Assistance
- Financial Relief for Small Businesses
- Healthcare Information and Resources
- Housing
- Coping Strategies
View or download a flyer to learn how to access a variety of essential services in English, Spanish, Arabic and Amharic.