After an unseasonably warm January, Alexandria has hit the coldest February in years. Extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill conditions are conspiring to create hazardous weather conditions that are conducive to hypothermia. City officials are urging residents who must be outdoors for more than brief periods to dress appropriately for severe cold conditions. Hats, gloves or mittens, layered outerwear and insulated boots are recommended.
For individuals seeking emergency shelter, the Carpenters Shelter operates the city’s hypothermia program in conjunction with the Alexandria Community Shelter, the city government and faith-based organizations. Emergency overnight shelter for families and adult males begins at 5 p.m. each evening during the extreme cold at the Carpenters Shelter, located at 930 North Henry St. For information, call 703-548-7500. Single women in need of shelter should report directly to the Alexandria Community Shelter at 2355B Mill Road. Call 703-838-4239.
David’s Place day program, operated by the Carpenters Shelter, is open every day from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information about David’s Place, call 703-548-7500.
Residents are urged to be aware of persons in need of shelter or homes that may be without heat because of utility shutoffs. Those concerned about the health and welfare of someone due to the extreme cold should call the Alexandria Child Protective Services Hotline at 703-838-0800, Adult Protective Services at 703-838-0778 or the Alexandria Police Department non-emergency line at 703-838-4444.
Several programs are available for those in need of heating assistance:
The Crisis Assistance component of the Virginia Energy Assistance Program will be accepting applications through March 31. Financial assistance is available to eligible low-income households to help pay for heating fuel. To be eligible for assistance, households must be out of fuel or facing imminent termination of the primary source of heat for the dwelling. Income and resources of all household members must be verified. Call 804-726-7933.
The Washington Area Fuel Fund is also available to assist Alexandria households facing an energy crisis. This fund is sponsored by Washington Gas and administered locally by the Salvation Army, located at 1804 Mt. Vernon Ave. Assistance with the primary source of heat is available for eligible households. Contact Betty Waites at 703-836-2427.
The EnergyShare Program, sponsored by Dominion Virginia Power, is another fuel-assistance program that helps pay home heating bills for those in need. Administered by the Alexandria Department of Human Services, those interested can visit the Office of Community Services at 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Monday through Friday from 8 to 5 p.m. Call 703-838-0971.
The Department of Human Services also manages the Charitable Fuel Fund to help needy residents meet increases in home heating costs. Tax-deductible donations from local residents and businesses are applied to help families at-risk of losing their source of heat. Call 703-838-0971.