If you live alone and make less than $49,850 per year, you might be eligible to pick up a check for $500 every month.
The City of Alexandria has put some of its Covid funding to use with a guaranteed basic income pilot a bit of a backronym: Alexandria’s Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE).
The program, led by the Department of Community and Human Services, involves 170 randomly selected individuals who meet certain household income limits. Those selected will be provided with $500 every month for 24 months to spend in any way they choose.
Those who meet the income eligibility requirements can apply online from Oct. 31 to Nov. 9.

“Guaranteed income pilots have proven to impact poverty and economic inequity by enabling participants to determine for themselves the budgetary strategies that will most benefit them and their families,” the city said in a release. “ARISE will help the city test a bold, new way to ensure people have what they need to make decisions to support their well-being.”
The idea of a guaranteed income, or a universal basic income, has been a hot topic in recent years, implemented in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego.
“We are providing financial resources to individuals and families so they are empowered to decide how to best meet the needs in their lives,” Mayor Justin Wilson said in the release. “We are creating this unique program to evolve the ways that we assist our neighbors in need of extra support. That is what ARISE is about.”
There are no citizenship or work requirements to be eligible, but individuals must be City of Alexandria residents who are 18 years or older and earn less than the caps above. Those caps are set at below 50% of Alexandria’s area median income.
“A community webinar on October 25 from 7-8 p.m. will provide information about the ARISE study and how to apply,” the city said in the release. “Amharic, Arabic and Spanish interpretation will be available. All eligible City residents are encouraged to apply for a chance to receive extra income and the ability to make choices that could improve their financial well-being, quality of life and future.”
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Preschool, a play-based, half-day preschool in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria has limited openings for the ’23-’24 school year.
SPEP offers:
- 18 month old – Kindergarten classes
- Full day Kindergarten option (3 days/week)
- Early Care
- Transportation (ages 3+)
- Weekly Field Trips (ages 3+)
- Financial Aid available
Monarch Montessori School located in the heart of Del Ray is enrolling children 6 weeks to 6 years of age for our half day and full day program.
Our hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Monarch Montessori School is open year round, with intermittent breaks.
Children engage in self-directed, self-initiated activities under the guidance of a trained Montessori teacher. Classroom sizes range from 8-12 students. Our robust curriculum includes botany, sensorial activities, the social graces, culture, math, science, practical life, geography, music appreciation and language arts.
You’ll get half off of the registration fee when you register and begin care with us before April 30, 2023.
Del Ray Dog Fest & Yappy Hour
The 1st Annual Del Ray Dog Fest is a fun outdoor event that will include dog-centered activities, dog menu items, live music, vendors and food on Sunday, April 2 from 11am- 3pm at the George Washington Middle School parking lot.