[Archived] City of Alexandria Recognizes National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month and National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

For Immediate Release: November 6, 2020

The City of Alexandria recognizes National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month in November and National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week from November 15 to 22. The goals of these observances are to raise awareness of the problems faced by community members at risk of and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity, and highlight resources to address these issues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the national housing crisis. Life events such as losing a job or an unexpected health crisis are putting many at risk of eviction, foreclosure and homelessness. Instability, like eviction and homelessness, has profound effects on mental and physical health and is particularly damaging to children, impacting their educational development and well-being. Along with losing their homes, community, friends and routines, as well as their sense of stability and safety, many youth experiencing homelessness are also victims of trauma, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance misuse; early parenthood; impulsivity; depression; post-traumatic stress disorder; and a vulnerability to being trafficked.

The impact of the pandemic has also increased food insecurity, leaving many forced to choose between basic necessities like purchasing food, paying the rent or going to the doctor. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a recent study shows that of those who lost their jobs in the first two months of the pandemic, 31% reported food insecurity and 33% reported eating less due to financial constraints. Food insecurity is associated with worse general health and well-being, including depression, anxiety, chronic disease and negative impacts on developmental outcomes for children.

The 2020 Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count revealed 207 persons experiencing homelessness in Alexandria, including 32 households with adults and children (36 adults and 50 children) and 121 singles (85 men and 36 women), including 11 unsheltered singles and 15 chronically homeless singles. The total number of persons identified during the 2020 Count increased by 5% from 2019. 

Residents are encouraged to join the City in increasing public awareness of the problems associated with eviction, homelessness and food insecurity, and the financial assistance and other resources available to address these issues with their neighbors, such as:

• Eviction prevention programs and resources, including financial assistance with rent and mortgage payments and guidance for those receiving eviction notices;

• Food assistance programs and resources, such as the Grocery Gift Card Program;

• Assistance for basic needs, including utility bills, prescriptions and more;

• Job assistance, including employment opportunities and free workshops;

• Health care resources, including options for those without insurance or who are underinsured;

• Homeless Services Assessment Center, which connects individuals with services and support; and

• Winter Shelter, open daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through March 31 regardless of weather. 

If you encounter someone experiencing homelessness, share these services or notify a caseworkers by contacting Alex311 online or by calling 311 or 703.746.4311. Staff from the City’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) will respond with resources and support as soon as possible.

Visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS to learn about opportunities to raise awareness and help end homelessness and food insecurity.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.