City of Alexandria’s Winter Shelter Now Open

As cold weather sets in, the City of Alexandria continues its commitment to ensuring safety and warmth for unhoused individuals and families through its annual winter shelter program.
Page updated on November 13, 2025 at 7:49 AM
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As cold weather sets in, the City of Alexandria continues its commitment to ensuring safety and warmth for unhoused individuals and families through its annual winter shelter program. According to the City’s latest guidance:

  • The Winter Shelter (also known as the hypothermia shelter) is open nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., regardless of weather from Saturday, November 1 through April 15.
  • The shelter is operated by Carpenter’s Shelter in partnership with the City and is located at 2355-B Mill Rd (left side of front entrance, next to the fence).
  • The program is available to both single adults and families experiencing homelessness in Alexandria. 

Services and Support

Guests who use the winter shelter have access not only to refuge from cold temperatures, but also to supportive services aimed at helping them move toward stable housing. These include:

  • A secure, clean environment to sleep during the night, laundry, and snacks.
  • Light case management and referrals for social services, medical care, and other community resources.
  • Transportation information for getting to the shelter via free DASH bus routes when needed.

How the Community Can Help

The City invites residents to:

  • Be aware of neighbors who may be at risk of hypothermia and reach out with a phone call or video chat.
  • Consider joining the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness (PPEH) to support broader planning and coordination efforts to prevent and end homelessness in Alexandria.
  • If you encounter someone unhoused and in need of assistance, the City offers resources:
    • Call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 to connect with the Homeless Services Assessment Center (HSAC).
    • See the Winer Shelter phone line at 571.652.9984 for direct inquiries.

Residents and service providers should keep an eye on the City’s website for alerts or changes in operations, particularly when severe weather or other conditions may affect shelter hours or capacity.