Alexandria Government Offers Resources For Furloughed Workers

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The City of Alexandria is offering resources and other information for furloughed federal employees and contractors without work during the government shutdown.

Among the resources available are Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food stamp benefits. Unpaid workers may be eligible for the program. Eligibility is dependent on a person's liquid resources and their limits, including cash on hand and other accounts or funds, income, and when the last paycheck was received. The city also has a list of food assistance resources available.

Students in Alexandria City Public Schools can apply for free and reduced-price meals at the ACPS Meal Applications page. Applications will be processed in a manner dependent on families' circumstances. Students with parents or guardians who are not receiving income must indicate their income as zero ‘0’ or leave the field blank. If your household has applied this school year and was denied benefits, you must submit documentation like proof of being affected by the government shutdown or recent pay stubs. Families affected by the shutdown are urged to contact ACPS School Nutrition Services at 703-619-8407 if the circumstances change by a return to work or pay for a furlough period.

For utility payment concerns, residents must contact companies directly since the city does not operate public utilities. Utility providers can be found at www.alexandriava.gov/Utilities.

The Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services says the stress of not having work during the shutdown can result in signs of anxiety and depression. The city has provided tips on coping with stress from the shutdown.

If you are in crisis, help is available at the CrisisLink Hotline by calling 703-527-4077 or texting "connect" to 855-11. For TTY, dial 711. The Department of Community and Human Services Emergency Services can be reached at 703-746-3401.

The federal government shutdown is not impacting hours for Alexandria’s museums, historic sites, libraries, parks and recreation and art centers. Federal government employees can receive a free museum pass and other specials during the shutdown.

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Image via Emily Leayman/Patch