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 December 12, 2025 at 3:34 PM
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Warming Center Locations

WARMING Centers

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) 2355-A Mill Rd Winter Shelter will remain open until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16 due to inclement weather.

Warming 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.) 

In addition, the following Alexandria Library branches are open during the following hours for warming needs during cold 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.
  • Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

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

  • Parking: The library has a large parking lot with 175 spaces.

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.

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.

Winter Shelter

The department of community & human services (dchs) has extended their 2355-a mill rd winter shelter hours from thursday, december 11 through 7 a.m. tuesday, december 16.

The City of Alexandria’s Winter Shelter season runs from Saturday, November 1  through April 15, 2026.

The shelter is located at:
2355-A Mill Road
Guests must enter through the left side of the building, near the fence.

The Winter Shelter operates daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and provides a safe, warm place to sleep for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the cold weather months. Services include light case management and guests have access to showers, snacks, and laundry.

Public transportation via DASH bus routes to the shelter are free and listed below. 

From Carpenter’s Shelter:
DASH Bus 30
Depart from MONTGOMERY ST & N PATRICK ST
Board DASH Bus 30 towards BRADDOCK RD METRO STATION - BAY D
Arrive at BRADDOCK RD STA & BUS BAY D

From Braddock Road Metro Rail Station:
DASH Bus 32 · Departs from EISENHOWER AVE & SWAMP FOX RD
DASH Bus 32 towards KING ST METRO - BAY G · Arrive at MILL RD & JAMIESON AVE
YELLOW LINE (TRAIN) · BRADDOCK RD METRORAIL STATION
Board YELLOW LINE towards HUNTINGTON · Arrive at EISENHOWER AV METRO STATION

From City Hall:
DASH Bus 30
Walk - 0.1 miles to N FAIRFAX ST & KING S
Departs from N FAIRFAX ST & KING ST
Board DASH Bus 30 towards LANDMARK TRANSIT CTR
Arrive at KING ST-OLD TOWN STATION + BUS