Seasonal and Emergency Warming and Cooling Options

During the summer and winter months, the City offers locations such as libraries, recreation centers and shelters to serve as options for those in need of heating or cooling that is not available in their homes.
Page updated on April 14, 2026 at 4:01 PM
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Heat Safety

Need to beat the summer heat? Play it safe during high temperatures by following these Alexandria Health Department tips to stay cool.

Cooling Center Locations

Recreation Centers

Cooling centers are offered at the following recreation centers. Visit the Recreation Centers page for full business hours.

Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.)

Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Ave.)

Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.)

Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)

William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) 

Libraries

In addition, the following Alexandria Library branches are open during the following hours for cooling needs during warm weather:

  • Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.) 

  • Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.
    • Metrorail: King Street Station (Yellow & Blue Lines 3.2 miles); Van Dorn Station (Blue Line 2.1 miles)
    • Metrobus: F23, F24, A28
    • DASH Bus: 30, 32

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.) 

  • Parking: No library parking lot. Street parking is available. A paid parking lot is available on the 100 block of North Alfred Street.
    • Metrorail: Yellow and Blue lines at Braddock Road (1 mile) and King Street Stations (1.1 miles).
    • Metrobus: A11, A12, F19
    • DASH Bus: 30, 31, Old Town Circulator
    • King Street Trolley: King & Columbus

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Rd.)

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)

  • Parking: There is a small lot with 9 spaces.  On street parking is available.

Virginia Energy Assistance Cooling Program (June 15-August 15)

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.

Senior Cool Care Program

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.

Encountering Homelessness

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 (571.652.9984) 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.
  • 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.
  • See information about the Alexandria Winter Hypothermia Shelter.

Local Shelters and Resources

Weather Notices and Information

Learn more about active weather notices related to heat, and what you can do to better prepare, provided by the National Weather Service.