During the summer and winter months, the City of Alexandria offers several locations as options during regular business hours for those without heating or cooling in their homes, including recreation centers and libraries. 

Learn more about precautions to take during extreme heat, such as checking on neighbors and keeping pets indoors.

Unless otherwise noted on their respective pages, libraries and recreation centers serve as warming/cooling centers only during normal business hours. To be notified if hours at warming/cooling centers have been extended, please visit alexandriava.gov/enews and sign up for alerts.

View Library Hours View Recreation Center Hours

If you see someone who looks to be in need of housing support, there are a couple of options. 

• If you have engaged the individual in conversation and learn that they are in need of supportive services, let them know they can call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 or walk-in for services at 4850 Mark Center Drive during business hours. Staff will support them by identifying the next steps in assisting them with their current situation. Once screened, individuals will be added to the waitlist and referred once a bed is available at Alexandria Community Shelter or Carpenter's Shelter. During the winter months, let them know about the City's Winter Shelter Program run by Carpenter's Shelter (703.548.7500), which is open daily from November 1 through April 15. You can also share with them the Alexandria Community Resources Card , also available as an easy-to-print two-sided flyer.

• If you aren’t comfortable engaging in conversion,  contact Alex 311 to report your observations; please refrain from taking photos of residents experiencing homelessness out of respect for their privacy. Your report will be sent to DCHS staff, who will go out and speak to the person within 24-48 business hours and offer available support and resources. DCHS values individual personal choice and does not force services on anyone, but staff work hard to ensure everyone is aware of the supportive services with the City and their right to access them and transition out of homelessness.
• For more immediate welfare checks, call the police non-emergency line at 703.746.4444.

Local Shelters and Resources

For adults 60 years of age and older who live in the City of Alexandria, the Senior Cool Care Program offers a cooling fan and other assistance to seniors who meet income and other guidelines. Call 703.746.5999 to find out if you are eligible.

Qualifying households will receive a $400 maximum benefit payment to their Dominion Energy account. Eligibility requirements are that the household must contain at least one person who is over the age of 60, a minor child under the age of 6 or someone receiving disability payments through social security.  There are also income limit requirements which follow the SNAP benefits income eligibility requirements. Clients can apply online at Commonhelp.virginia.gov or by calling the Enterprise Customer Call Center at 855.635.4370.

For more programs and services to help with cooling and heating, see Utility, Heating and Cooling Assistance.