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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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    Use these shortcuts to perform some of the most common tasks on our site.

    • Apply
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    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
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    • Report
      • Potholes
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Resources, Programs & Services For Immigrants and Refugees

The City of Alexandria is home to more than 150,000 people from a rich diversity of backgrounds. The City is committed to providing a wide range of effective and essential safety net services to improve or maintain the well-being, safety and self-sufficiency of all its residents—including the hundreds of refugees and immigrants we welcome into our community every year. Learn about immigrants and refugees in Alexandria and City services, programs and resources to support them below.
Page updated on September 20, 2022 at 9:38 AM

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  • Department of Community & Human Services
  • ARISE Guaranteed Income Pilot
  • CommonHelp
  • Customer Relations and Call Center
  • Utility, Heating and Cooling
  • Basic Needs and Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Refugee Assistance
  • Dental, Vision and Hearing Aid Program
  • Homeless Services
    • PATH: Homeless Assistance Program

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News

PUBLIC CHARGE

City Hall Market Square at Night

Homeland Security issued a final rule on the “public charge,” adding protections to immigrant families’ access to social safety net programs. The final rule clarifies that several health and social services are NOT considered in a public charge determination. The final rule takes effect on December 23, 2022. Read more.

Resources and Services

GENERAL RESOURCES 

  • Arlington Community Outreach Program Citizenship Classes are open for enrollment. The free, virtual classes are open to both Arlington and non-Arlington residents.  Contact Susan at sstolpe@arlingtonva.us or 703.228.1198 with any questions or to register
  • Afghan Women’s Group is offered through ECDC on Zoom. This group provides an opportunity to make friends and gain support during the resettlement process and learn tips on living in the United States as an Afghan woman. Register online. 
  • The Career Pathways Program is actively enrolling new participants in their employment services program for refugees, SIVs, and approved asylees. Enrollees receive employment assistance with resume development, interviewing practice, case management. For more information check the website or email savannah.hill@alexandriava.gov.
  • Lutheran Social Services is looking for more mentors for refugee youth and families. Now that mentoring is fully remote, you can do so from wherever you live! See the website for details or contact Debi Kant at kantd@lssnca.org.
  • Asylee Assistance for Mandarin Speakers. Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington now has a Mandarin-speaker on staff that can assist Uyghur asylees in need of services. Ms. Lee can be reached at chia.lee@ccda.net or 571.469.2728.

  • Good Neighbor Partner Program. LSSNCA’s Good Neighbor Partner is now recruiting organizational and congregational partners to help welcome refugees to the DMV. To ease this transition and provide an extra layer of care and support, LSSNCA matches families with local congregations and groups as Good Neighbor Partners. For more information contact Shelby Kruczek kruczeks@lssnca.org. 

  • Updated student financial aid eligibility coming August 2022: House Bill 2123, sponsored by Delegate Alfonso Lopez, and Senate Bill 1387, sponsored by Senator Jennifer Boysko, make any student eligible for state financial aid if they are eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. This law will take effect August 1, 2022.

  • Medicaid has expanded coverage eligibility for certain Lawful Permanent Residents: Effective April 1, 2021, a qualified Lawful Permanent Resident who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, and who has resided in the U.S. for at least five years is no longer required to have any qualifying quarters of work to receive full Medicaid benefits. Lawful Permanent Residents who previously were ineligible due to not having required working quarters are encouraged to reapply online or call CoverVA at 855.242.8282.

Below are services and programs provided by the City as well as collaborative partners, nonprofits and other organizations working to improve lives in our community.

Safety Net and Financial Assistance Services

The Department of Community and Human Services provides a range of services and programs to assist Alexandria residents, including immigrants and refugees, experiencing needs such as a housing crisis, medical or disability needs, or needing assistance with purchasing sufficient clothing or food for their household. You can apply online for many of the benefits listed below using  Common Help. For a complete list of services, visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS. 

  • Refugee Assistance. Financial and medical benefits to refugees.

  • Rental Assistance. Assistance to eligible, low-income persons facing a housing crisis.

  • Utility, Heating and Cooling Assistance. Assistance to income-eligible households.

  • Food, Clothing, Furniture, Prescription and Burial Assistance. Assistance to eligible, low-income residents.

  • Homeless Services. A range of services for those experiencing homelessness.

  • Food Assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists individuals and families who are unable to purchase sufficient food for themselves.

  • Healthcare for Children. The Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) Provides health insurance to children under 19 years-old who are uninsured and who are not eligible for Medicaid.

  • Healthcare for Adults and Children. The Medicaid assistance program that pays medical service providers for medical services rendered to eligible individuals

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Provides eligible families with a monthly cash payment to meet their basic needs.

  • Auxiliary Grant Program. Income supplement for individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and certain other aged, blind or individuals with disabilities who reside in a licensed assisted living facility or an approved adult foster care home

  • Food, Clothing, Dental, Prescription Drug, Eyeglasses and Burial Assistance. Services provided by the Office of Community Services. 

Employment

The City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center (WDC)  assists individuals and businesses with their employment needs. Offering services including Career Readiness Workshops, individualized case management,  assistance with Training and Certifications, and Hiring Events open to the public, the WDC is a Certified One Stop Center for all employment services.  

There are multiple programs offered at WDC that can assist with training and certifications. Many of these programs have eligibility requirements. All of these programs have the goal of securing livable-wages so that individuals are self-sufficient through employment. Some example of these programs:

  • SNAP-ET supports Education and Training goals for individuals receiving food assistance through the  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

  • VIEW is the Virginia Initiative for Education and Work; this program assists Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients. 

  • WIOA is the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act; This federally funded program supports Adults and Youth through case management and career coaching in order for participants to reach their career goals.

 WDC also collaborates with onsite employment partners to provide additional program:

  •   Upwardly Global: Upwardly Global’s mission is to eliminate employment barriers for skilled immigrants and refugees, and integrate this population into the professional U.S. workforce. This partner offers employment services including online courses, an Employment Advisor in your industry of experience and networking opportunities for skilled immigrants

  • Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) offers employment support including resume assistance, translation services, and pre-employment training for refugees within the first 5 years of resettlement.

  • Virginia Employment Commission (VEC): Through the VEC and the Virginia Workforce Connection, job seekers can search for jobs, take career assessments, and research local labor market data. 

  • Melwood Jobs assists individuals of differing abilities or those with long term unemployment   with career exploration, case management, and job placement and retention services.  

Support Groups Include:

  • Women Immigrant Socio-economic Empowerment (WISE) group meets the last Friday of every month. The goal of this group is to encourage  women immigrants through empowering them through the resettlement process. For more information please contact Tempestt Boulware at 703.746.5871 or Lillian Correa at 703.746.5868. 

  • Ethiopian Community Development Council (EDCD) holds monthly support groups for Afghan women. The goal is to introduce women to other newly arrived women, discuss resettlement challenges and offer tips for living in the United States. For more information please contact Emily Bayens at 703.685.0510 ext. 266. 

English as a Second Language (ESL)

There are multiple options for English Language Learners in the City of Alexandria. Some options include:

  • Alexandria Public Library provides a variety of free programming and materials for education and recreation. They offer ESL classes and access to computers and the internet.

  • The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) focuses on teaching adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English so they can access employment and educational opportunities and more fully and equitably participate in the community.

  • Alexandria City Public Schools offers an Adult English Learners Program consisting of 6 levels of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in sessions held daily in the morning and evening.

  • Northern Virginia Community College offers the American Culture & Language Institute (ACLI).  ACLI helps students achieve their goals of language proficiency for self-improvement, academic studies, and professional development.  

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)

Students are admitted to ACPS programs without regard to immigration status. Below are a few of the ACPS resources that may be of help to immigrants and refugees. For a full list of programs and services, visit www.acps.k12.va.us.

  • Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center.  The FACE Center involves families in the educational experience of students. Through free information, resources, workshops and fun activities for students and their families, FACE helps connect families to the academic achievement of their children.

  • Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Children need healthy meals to learn. ACPS Nutrition is pleased to offer FREE Breakfast and/or Lunch for eligible students, regardless of citizenship status, as part of the federally funded National School Lunch Act and Child Nutrition Act, and administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). Learn more about the program and eligibility guidelines.

  • Anne R. Lipnick Special Education Parent Resource Center.  The Anne R. Lipnick Special Education Parent Resource Center (PRC) assists parents to become partners in their child's education. Focusing on the child's needs, we promote training parents to be advocates for their children while establishing cooperative partnerships between families and schools.

Children and Parenting

Immigrating to the U.S. can be a traumatic and difficult experience for both parents and children. In addition, parenting culture in the U.S. can be new and confusing to some immigrants and refugees. Below are resources for parents and children as they adapt to life in the U.S.

  • Center for Children and Families. Programs and services for children, youth and families. 

  • RAISE. Includes resources for dealing with childhood trauma and information about Alexandria’s Trauma-Informed Care Network.

Health and Wellness

  • Alexandria Health Department (AHD). AHD offers many essential public health services and programs for Alexandria residents, including immigrants and refugees. Visit alexandriava.gov/health for a complete list of services, including vaccinations, testing and clinics. 

  • FAMIS Prenatal Coverage is full coverage for pregnant individuals who do not meet immigration status rules for other coverages. Individuals do not need to meet immigration status rules, provide immigration documents or have a Social Security number to be eligible for FAMIS Prenatal Coverage; individuals must live in Virginia, meet income rules and be uninsured. Learn more.
  • Medical Providers for Individuals Without a Primary Care Doctor or Insurance. Access a list of healthcare providers accepting patients who are underinsured or uninsured, including those who serve regardless of citizenship status. Learn about additional resources for underinsured and uninsured individuals and families.

    • Medicaid has expanded coverage eligibility for certain Lawful Permanent Residents: Effective April 1, 2021, a qualified Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e., green card holder) who entered the U.S. on or after August 22, 1996, and who has resided in the U.S. for at least five years no longer needs to have a 10 year work history (40 quarters) to receive full Medicaid benefits. Lawful Permanent Residents who previously were ineligible due to not having the required work history are encouraged to reapply online or call CoverVA at 855.242.8282. If an individual is lawfully residing in the U.S. but does not qualify for Medicaid because of their immigration status (permanent resident status for less than five years), they can get marketplace coverage even if their income is less than 100% FPL.
  •  Mental Health Resources. DCHS provides a wide range of mental health services, including 24-Hour Emergency Mental Health Services, Mental Health Outpatient Services, Substance Use Disorder Outpatient Services, Alexandria Residential Treatment Center (ARTC), Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Support Groups, Opioid Treatment Program and Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and LGBTQ Services. Also, access Multicultural Resources.

Adults With Disabilities and Older Adults

Aging and Adult Services offers a wide range of programs for older adults and adults with disabilities with special emphasis given to those who have a low income. Services range from financial assistance, rent relief, transportation and help finding employment to caregiver resources and food delivery. For a complete list visit alexandriava.gov/Aging.

Public Safety

Learn more about the agencies and programs that help maintain the safety and overall quality of life for all Alexandrians, including immigrants and refugees. 

  • Alexandria Fire Department. Delivers responsive and caring emergency service. Learn about calling 911, cooking fire safety, how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke alarms and how you can prepare for storms and disasters.

  • Alexandria Police Department. Maintains and enhances a partnership with the community to reduce crime and improve the life of all of Alexandria’s neighborhoods. Listen to officers reading stories for children online with APD Storytime. 

  • Alexandria Sheriff’s Office. Responsible for general public safety as well as operating the adult detention center and courthouse security. Listen to deputies and the Sheriff read stories for children on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. 

Afghan Refugee Arrivals Information and Resources 

The U.S. is evacuating U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and at-risk Afghans from Kabul, including Afghans who served alongside American troops, diplomats and other government employees to advance U.S. military and diplomatic goals. Evacuees are being flown from Kabul to locations throughout the world for processing and screening, including Bahrain, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Qatar, Tajikistan, Turkey, the UAE, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan. 

Those who are U.S. citizens are receiving emergency repatriation services and being flown back to locations in the U.S., including Dulles airport, where they are offered various support services.

Currently, it is believed that many of the Afghan evacuees will settle in the U.S., including Alexandria, under Special Immigrant Visas, which are given to Iraqi or Afghan nationals who have been employed by the U.S. Armed Forces as a translator or interpreter, or has been employed by a contractor of the United States government overseas. SIVs are eligible for the same resettlement benefits as refugees for up to eight months after arrival. They arrive with legal permanent resident status and can apply for citizenship after five years.  

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE THE AFGHANS TO GET TO THE U.S.?

It is currently unclear how long it will take to process the tens of thousands of evacuees. U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and Afghans who already hold an SIV are able to enter the U.S. at any time. However, it is likely that many of the evacuees are at various points in the SIV application process and it is unknown how long it will take the State Department to process their cases. 

While the great majority of refugees and future SIV holders are currently overseas and may not arrive for some time, some Afghan refugees and SIV applicants have arrived in the U.S. Those arriving in Northern Virginia were initially placed at NOVA Annadale but are now being located at the Dulles Expo Center, from where they are transferred for case processing at military bases like Fort Lee in Richmond and Fort Bliss in Texas. Of those processed at Fort Lee, only a handful decided to stay in Virginia so far.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AFGHANS ARRIVE? 

Once an evacuee receives an SIV, they can come to the U.S., where they will be served by a network of local resettlement agencies—in Northern Virginia, these are Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and Ethiopian Community Development Council—who have a cooperative agreement with the Department of State to provide specific services and assist with expenses during a refugee’s first eight months in the United States.   

Initial support after arrival includes: 

  • securing housing for the family  

  • picking up the family at the airport (or Fort Lee)  

  • arranging a home setup  

  • ensuring a culturally appropriate meal and a week’s worth of groceries are ready for the family in the home when they arrive  

During the next eight months, resettlement agencies provide continued support, such as: 

  • enrolling in employment services 
  • registering youth for school 

  • applying for Social Security cards 

  • enrolling in Medicaid 

  • medical referrals 

  • youth case management 

  • Mentoring 

  • connecting to necessary social or language services   

In coordination with publicly supported refugee service and assistance programs, resettlement agencies focus on assisting refugees to achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment as soon as possible after their arrival in the United States; refugees receive employment authorization upon arrival and are encouraged to become employed as soon as possible.  

HOW DO SERVICES AND PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY THE CITY HELP? 

City services, programs and schools work closely with the resettlement agencies to provide support, such as facilitating Medicaid enrollment, finding employment, enrolling in school and connecting to social services. In addition, the City offers a wide range of services to immigrants and refugees; learn more about these programs and services and how to access them below.

HOW CAN ALEXANDRIA RESIDENTS HELP? 

Immediate support needed by the resettlement agencies includes:

  • Temporary and long-term housing. The resettlement agencies provide financial support towards rent but without credit or work history, it can be difficult to secure leasing for newly arriving families. Call Catholic Charities at 703.520.4011 or view more information. Sign up to provide temporary or permanent housing with Lutheran Social Services.
  • New household items and furnishings or select gently used furniture. View Catholic Charities list for needs and contact information. 
  • Volunteers to provide transportation, set up apartments and collect and assemble Welcome Home Gift Boxes. Sign up to volunteer with Lutheran Social Services.

Volunteer Alexandria is also collecting supplies. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) is coordinating with the Department of Defense to provide support to incoming refugees at military bases; those wishing to support or donate to those efforts should visit the VOAD website for opportunities.  Additional volunteer and support opportunities are listed below. Check back frequently for updates.

Refugee Resettlement Agencies

There are three main Refugee Resettlement Agencies serving the Northern Virginia region. These include Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services, and the Ethiopian Community Development Center. The purpose of these organizations is to assist refugees with their resettlement into the United States. Services include Reception and Placement in which families are met at the airport upon arrival, provided housing and  Welcome Money, and assisted with cultural orientation to living in the United States. Additionally, these agencies provide employment services to improve the self-sufficiency of individuals through employment.  More information can be found on each agency’s website:

  • Lutheran Social Services

  • Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services

  • Ethiopian Community Development Council 

Community Partners

Below are some community organizations that provide services to immigrants and refugees. We are always adding to this list, so check back for new additions.

  • Alexandria Housing Development Corporation. AHDC provides reduced-rent apartments for lower-income households in Alexandria. As well, AHDC provides some additional resident services to current residents. Most rental units go for a few hundred dollars less every month than many market-rate counterparts. 

  • Alive! ALIVE! provides basic needs support to residents, regardless of citizenship status, who need food, monetary assistance, housewares and furniture. The organization also offers a certified Child Development Center preschool for children ages 3-5 on a sliding fee scale. 

  • Casa Chirilagua. “Chirilagua” is the name given to the Arlandria neighborhood in Alexandria by its Central American residents. Casa Chirilagua provides ESL and Spanish literacy classes, after school and college preparation programs and more.

  • Ethiopian Community Development Council. The Council's Victim of Crime Advocacy program assists refugee and immigrant victims of crime to regain a sense of safety and security. The Council also provides culturally and linguistically specific advocacy and accompaniment services, information on the criminal justice system, housing assistance and referrals to other victims services.  
  • Just Neighbors. Just Neighbors is a nonprofit organization that offers expert immigration legal services to at-risk immigrants, refugees and asylees in Virginia. In a small, compassionate and welcoming environment. Just Neighbors attorneys and volunteers focus on the pressing immigration needs of individuals and families, especially those who are most vulnerable, such as securing proper legal status, obtaining work authorization, and advocating on behalf of immigrants in Virginia. 

  • MAP Clinics. A network of weekly health care clinics that provide community-based health care to uninsured or underinsured residents, regardless of citizenship status, using an interprofessional treatment team approach. Visit the MAP Clinic website for a  list of clinic locations and hours.

  • Tenants and Workers United. Programs supporting working class communities, people of color, immigrants, youth and women. 

City of Alexandria Immigration Enforcement FAQs

Read the City’s Immigration Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions.

Volunteer Opportunities 

Afghans who are arriving in the U.S. arrive in several locations, including the Northern Virginia area. Learn how you can help families and individuals arriving from Afghanistan through local refugee resettlement agencies and other opportunities below. Check back for additional opportunities as they develop.

  • Volunteers, supplies and support needed at Catholic Charities, a local resettlement agency: Learn how help the newly arrived and incoming Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders (SIVs) and their families being served by Catholic Charities. Newcomer Services also needs volunteer English teachers, citizenship and workforce training teachers, mentors, office assistants, pro bono attorneys, legal office assistants, and interpreters. Training provided. No foreign language necessary. Contact volunteer.newcomer@ccda.net. For more information
  • Volunteers, supplies and support needed at Lutheran Social Services, a local resettlement agency: LSSNCA is mobilizing community supporters to welcome Afghan families and individuals arriving in Virginia. Learn how you can help.
  • Supplies needed at Volunteer Alexandria, including non-perishable food and snacks with Halal considerations, water, baby/child items (diapers, wipes, coloring books, etc.) and hygiene items. Learn more at Volunteer Alexandria.

Ongoing Opportunities

The City of Alexandria partners with the local refugee resettlement agencies, which offer a wide variety of on-going opportunities to support and help immigrants and refugees, including:

  • Rent to refugees

  • Employ a refugee

  • Advocate for refugees

  • Sponsor or mentor a refugee or refugee family

  • Teach English and citizenship classes or help a refugee practice English

  • Donate food to pantries, household goods

  • Serve in free medical clinics

  • Job coach and mentor

For more information on these and other opportunities, visit:

  • Catholic Charities Migration and Refugee Services

  • Ethiopian Community Development Commission

  • Lutheran Social Services Refugee Services

Learn More

  • UNHCR World Refugee Day

  • New Americans in Alexandria: A Snapshot of the Demographic and Economic Contributions of Immigrants in the City

  • Resources for Organizations and Programs Supporting Immigrants and Refugees

  • Office of Historic Alexandria Immigrant Alexandria Project

  • Multicultural Mental Health Resources

  • Workforce Development Center Blazing Refugee Career Paths

  • Alexandria City Council Reaffirms Support for Refugees

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