NeighborShare ALX has distributed more than $32,000 to Alexandria families since November launch
ACT for Alexandria pilot program has helped more than 250 residents, including 115 children, navigate financial emergencies
A pilot program launched in November to help Alexandria residents facing sudden financial hardship has distributed more than $32,000 in direct assistance, aiding more than 250 neighbors including over 115 children, organizers said.
NeighborShare ALX, a three-month pilot run by ACT for Alexandria in partnership with NeighborShare, provides fast, flexible financial support to residents dealing with unexpected emergencies. The program launched in response to the federal government shutdown and its ripple effects across the community, but has since expanded to address a broader range of financial crises.
The platform works by connecting donors directly with verified needs: trusted local nonprofit partners identify residents facing urgent financial shortfalls, post their stories and dollar amounts to the site, and donors choose which needs to fund. The money goes directly to the nonprofit partners, who get the assistance to the people in need.
The local partners referring cases include Community Lodgings, Christ Church, and the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia. As of this week, 16 active requests were listed on the site, ranging from $10 to $150 for needs including groceries, housing, utility bills, and medical expenses.
While the shutdown has ended, many families are still feeling its impact, layered on top of already tight household budgets, said Brandi Yee, chief program officer at ACT for Alexandria.
Since the launch, 38 families have received more than $15,000 in shutdown-related support. An additional 42 families have received help with everyday financial emergencies, bringing total assistance to more than $32,000.
With one in three Americans unable to cover a $400 emergency, even a short disruption in income can quickly lead to missed meals, unpaid bills or housing instability, Yee said.
Among those currently seeking help through the program is a single mother whose employer recently cut her hours from full time to part time due to economic challenges. The sudden drop in income has made it increasingly difficult for her to keep up with groceries and other basic household needs while caring for her 8-year-old daughter, who requires ongoing medical care.
Another resident seeking assistance is a senior citizen living alone on a fixed income who recently experienced an unexpected reduction in benefits, including a significant decrease in his monthly SNAP allotment. Changes to his Medicare coverage have also affected his access to essential daily medications.
The program’s website, nbshare.org/alx, is updated daily as new needs arise. Donations of any size are tax-deductible and go directly to meeting the identified needs.
“NeighborShare ALX reflects Alexandria’s longstanding spirit of generosity, ensuring that temporary disruptions do not become lasting hardships,” Yee said.