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 May 19, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Translate icon

Cooling Centers

  • If your home lacks adequate cooling, the City provides several cooling centers:
  • Recreation Centers: Facilities like the Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers offer air-conditioned spaces.
  • Libraries: Branches such as the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library are available for residents seeking relief from the heat.

Unless otherwise noted on their respective pages, libraries and recreation centers serve as warming/cooling centers only during normal business hours. To be notified if hours at warming/cooling centers have been extended, visit this page or subscribe to Alexandria eNews alerts at alexandriava.gov/eNews.

View Library Hours View Recreation Center Hours

Winter Shelter

Please be advised that the Shelter has closed for the 2024-2025 winter season.

Any households in need of shelter services can contact the Call Center at 703.746.5700 or walk-in to 4850 Mark Center Dr. 5th floor, during business hours, to be screened for services. 

2355-A Mill Rd. (left side of the front entrance, next to the fence)

The City of Alexandria Winter Shelter, also called Hypothermia Shelter, ensures that individuals and families experiencing homelessness have a warm, clean and safe environment to retreat from the elements of weather at night. The Winter Shelter, operated by Carpenter's Shelter, is open nightly from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. regardless of weather from Friday, November 1 through Tuesday, April 15. The Winter Shelter provides supportive services and resources necessary to assist residents in obtaining stable housing.

This location serves families and single individuals experiencing homelessness. To reach the Winter Shelter, call 571.652.9984.

  • Hours are 7 p.m.-7 a.m. daily
  • Winter Shelter will not be providing transportation to the shelter.
  • In cases of inclement weather conditions, families and single individuals may be able to access the Winter Shelter before 7 p.m. Contact shelter for more information.

TRANSPORTATION

No shuttle service will be provided this year. For anyone in need of transportation, the bus routes to the shelter are listed below.

Bus/Train Routes to Winter Shelter

From Carpenter’s Shelter:

  • DASH Bus 30
  • Depart from MONTGOMERY ST and N PATRICK ST
  • Board DASH Bus 30 towards BRADDOCK RD METRO STATION - BAY D
  • Arrive at BRADDOCK RD STA and BUS BAY D

From Braddock Road Metrorail Station:

Yellow Line Metrorail Train

From City Hall:

  • DASH Bus 30
  • Walk 0.1 miles to N. Fairfax St. and King St.
  • Departs from N. Fairfax St. and King St.
  • Board DASH Bus 30 towards Landmark Transit Center
  • Arrive at King Street-Old Town Metrorail Station / Bus Bay B

From 4850 Mark Center Drive

  • Walk to Mark Center Station
  • Take DASH Bus 35 Pentagon Metro Via Beauregard St
  • Ride to Pentagon Transit Center / Bus Bay U7
  • Walk to Pentagon Enter at Metrobus Island, S. Rotary Rd. (South)
  • Wait for Metrorail Yellow Line Towards Huntington
  • Ride to Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station
  • Walk to 2355 Mill Rd.

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

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.

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.