New campaign launches to aid Alexandria residents affected by shutdown
NeighborShare ALX to provide direct cash assistance over next three months
A new initiative aims to provide direct financial assistance to Alexandria residents who are still reeling from the recent federal government shutdown, organizers announced on Monday.
NeighborShare ALX will offer cash support over the next three months to federal employees, contractors, hourly workers, and families affected by the shutdown. The campaign is backed by ACT for Alexandria.
The 43-day shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — ended on November 12, but left many Alexandria residents struggling to catch up on bills and expenses. The city is home to at least 13,000 federal employees, and City Manager James Parajon reported last week that nearly 40% of federal workers dipped into substantial savings during the closure, and 63% reduced spending.
The initiative targets federal contractors who will not receive back pay and service workers at federal buildings who lost weeks of income. Alexandria saw a significant increase in residents seeking food assistance during the shutdown, according to city officials.
“This is not a political issue; it’s a people issue,” said Kelli Kreps, executive director of NeighborShare. “Our national and local campaigns are focused on creating fast, flexible cash assistance by connecting neighbors who need help to neighbors who want to help in a trustworthy way.”
According to the campaign, one in three households nationally cannot cover a $400 emergency expense, making even brief income disruptions potentially devastating.
The program works through trusted local partners who identify urgent needs and direct tax-deductible donations to affected households. Contributions of any amount can be made at nbshare.org/alx.
“When one neighbor struggles, we all feel it,” said Heather Peeler, CEO of ACT for Alexandria. “NeighborShare ALX is about shared responsibility and collective action, making sure our community stands together when it matters most.”
NeighborShare is a nonprofit platform that provides emergency financial assistance to individuals experiencing unexpected hardships. More information is available at nbshare.org.
