How to support Alexandria neighbors during federal shutdown
Community organizations offer ways to donate, volunteer as residents face financial hardship
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second month, Alexandria residents have numerous opportunities to support neighbors facing financial hardship through food donations, volunteer programs and community assistance efforts.
The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, has left approximately 13,000 federal workers who live in Alexandria without paychecks, along with federal contractors, creating urgent needs for food, housing and utility assistance across the city.
Ways to Help
Residents looking to support their neighbors have multiple volunteer and donation opportunities available:
Food donations and volunteering:
Purchase extra produce at the Del Ray Farmers Market and leave donations in totes for the ALIVE Food Hub. Volunteers deliver donations on Saturday afternoons. “We hope you can purchase an extra bunch of carrots or 3-4 apples to help fill the tote,” said Pat Miller, a volunteer organizer with the Del Ray Farmers Market. “All will help with families that are in need right now.”
Donate food or funds to ALIVE
Serve hot meals through the Open Table Breakfast ministry
Become a food rescuer with Food Rescue US - DC
Deliver meals to homebound residents through Meals on Wheels - Senior Services of Alexandria
Support the Groceries-to-Go program by calling ALIVE at 703-837-9300
Educational and community programs:
Teach food system classes through the Virginia Extension 4-H program
Help maintain community gardens at Housing Alexandria
Bike during gleaning season to transport fresh food from farmers markets
Support the SNAP Double Dollars program
For more volunteer opportunities and information, visit hungerfreealexandria.com.
Do you know of an organization that accepts donations or provides assistance? Let me know in the comments below so we can add it to this list of resources.
Resources for Residents in Need
The city of Alexandria has compiled resources for residents affected by the shutdown.
Food Assistance
The city’s Food Assistance webpage provides information about federal benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and WIC, as well as listings for local food pantries, prepared meals, and pet food resources.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin has declared a state of emergency to allow the use of state funds to continue providing SNAP benefits to recipients in November.
The Capital Area Food Bank is conducting distributions at locations throughout its partner network, including one site in Virginia. The food bank provides 150 boxes of shelf-stable goods and produce at each distribution site. Recipients must show a government work ID.
Housing Help
Furloughed federal employees and contractors in Virginia are legally protected from eviction and foreclosure during the shutdown under a bill passed in 2020 and updated in 2025.
Homeowners seeking options such as loan forbearance or foreclosure prevention can contact Housing Program Specialist Anelva Corcos Beltran at anelva.corcosbeltran@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3092.
Renters needing help with eviction prevention or rent assistance can call the Department of Community and Human Services at 703-746-5700.
Tax and Fine Relief
The city is offering payment plan assistance to taxpayers directly affected by the shutdown, including federal contractors and business owners with furloughed family members. Residents can email fedimpact-alextax@alexandriava.gov or call 703-746-4800.
Utility Assistance
Information about utility bill assistance, including gas and electric bills, is available on the city’s utility, heating and cooling assistance page. Residents can also apply for utility assistance through community programs and Virginia’s CommonHelp.
Other Services
The Department of Community and Human Services provides Emergency Safety Net Services to residents facing immediate crisis. Call the DCHS Customer Call Center at 703-746-5700 or visit 4850 Mark Center Drive.
For non-emergency requests, call Alex311 at 703-746-4444 or submit a request online at alexandriava.gov.
ALIVE, a nonprofit organization serving Alexandria’s low-income residents, operates the Food Hub as part of its emergency food assistance programs. Additional information is available at www.alive-inc.org.