Chronic stress can have negative side effects on everyone. Psycho-social factors, specifically, pervasive exposure to racism and discrimination, creates an additional daily stressor for people of color. Research shows this to be particularly true for African-Americans (APA, 2016).  Read more and check out Race Based Trauma Resources and Support in Times of Civil Strife, a continually growing collection of resources.

You can still get free tax preparation assistance. Tax services will be provided via phone and virtual platforms and signature arrangements will be made at the time of tax preparation. Learn more.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Community and Human Services is offering “Assistance from a Distance” as a way for Alexandrians to access DCHS Services by phone, online, video and urgent appointments, as indicated. Learn about how to access services | Spanish | Arabic | Amharic

The City and its partners are working together to provide resources to help meet the basic needs of families impacted by COVID-19. Here is more information about a range of financial assistance and food programs as well as information about coping with fear and uncertainty.

Alexandria is home to more than 150,000 people from a rich diversity of backgrounds. Learn about a wide range of effective and essential safety net services to improve or maintain well-being, safety and self-sufficiency.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many people are newly fighting anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Those with preexisting conditions may be doubly challenged. The Department of Community and Human Services offers access to free anonymous mental health screening as well as a variety of wellness resources. No one should suffer alone; treatment works.

During a crisis like COVID-19, the risk for intimate partner and domestic violence increases—and so does the need for  support. View resources and help raise awareness at alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence or alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence.

Check out the FY 2019 Community Impact Report and learn how DCHS programs and services are improving the well-being, safety and self-sufficiency of Alexandria residents. The annual report highlights fiscal information along with the accomplishments of the three direct care centers: Adult Services, Children and Families and Economic Support. This success is made possible by all DCHS staff, other City employees and community partners.

The Children, Youth and Families Collaborative Commission (CYFCC) has released its “Children and Youth Master Plan Five Year Report” that highlights successes combating issues that impact the lives of children and families in our community. Read the report. 

Read the latest stories and news about DCHS programs and services that support and increase the well-being, safety and self-sufficiency of all Alexandrians.

Do you have a minute for a survey about the DCHS website?  Your feedback helps us improve.  Take a short survey.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a new “public charge” rule, used by immigration officials to help determine whether a person can enter the U.S. or receive a green card. Under this rule, several factors are reviewed, including whether a person has received benefit programs of cash assistance or health care. Read an FAQ regarding the new rule.

CommonHelp allows Virginia residents to apply online for public assistance benefits. Find out more.

Learn how the national heroin and opioid crisis is affecting our community and how City programs and services are responding. Know how to recognize and respond to an overdose and how to help save lives. 

Adults in Alexandria who work with middle or high school youth can now be trained in mental health ‘gatekeeper skills’ through online at-risk training simulations. This short interactive online training is designed for mentors, juvenile justice professionals, school staff, youth development staff, recreation professionals and human-service staff. The training is not recommended for licensed clinicians.  Learn more and take the hour-long web-based training today!