
Carpenter’s Shelter opened its winter shelters yesterday as a warm refuge for locals experiencing homelessness.
According to a press release from the city, the Winter Shelters are open from 7 p.m.-7 a.m. regardless of the weather. The shelter opened yesterday (Wednesday) through March 31.
There are two shelters: one for individuals and one for families.
The individual shelter at 2355 Mill Street serves individual adults. The family shelter is at 930 N. Henry Street.
There are also transportation options available at three locations:
- 6:20 p.m. at City Hall (301 King Street)
- 6:30 p.m. at Braddock Road Metro Station
- 6:40 p.m. at Christ house (131 South West Street)
The city’s website also has information for directing those experiencing homelessness to city services:
If you have engaged the individual in conversation and learn that they are in need of supportive services, let them know they can call 703.746.5700 or text 703.346.5599 or walk-in for services at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. during business hours. Staff will support them by identifying the next steps in assisting them with their current situation. Once screened, individuals will be added to the waitlist and referred once a bed is available at Alexandria Community Shelter or Carpenter’s Shelter. During the winter months, let them know about the City’s Winter Shelter Program run by Carpenter’s Shelter (703.548.7500), which is open daily from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. through March 2021. You can also share with them the Alexandria Community Resources Card, also available as an easy-to-print two-sided flyer.
If you aren’t comfortable engaging in conversion, contact Alex 311 to report your observations; please refrain from taking photos of residents experiencing homelessness out of respect for their privacy. Your report will be sent to DCHS staff, who will go out and speak to the person within 24-48 business hours and offer available support and resources. DCHS values individual personal choice and does not force services on anyone, but staff work hard to ensure everyone is aware of the supportive services with the City and their right to access them and transition out of homelessness.
For more immediate welfare checks, call the police non-emergency line at 703.746.4444.
Photo via Carpenter’s Shelter/Facebook
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