City Adds More Resources for Those Affected by COVID-19 Response

The Department of Community and Human Services is continuing to work together with departments across the City of Alexandria as well as City partners to support individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 response. Learn about recent updates and newly added resources and services for those in need – including multi-language resources, food distribution sites and schedules, and coping resources. DCHS encourages residents to share this information with others, especially with those in need, those living in communities not speaking English as a first language and vulnerable residents.

Multi-Language Resources

As a reminder, the City’s website is now accessible in 10 different languages, which can be accessed through a drop-down box in the top right of each page. In addition, the City has a growing number of resources specifically related to COVID-19 available in multiple languages, including:

• DCHS Assistance from a Distance: Learn about how to access services | Spanish | Arabic | Amharic
• Workforce Development Center Assistance From a Distance | Amharic | Dari | Spanish
• COVID-19 Fact Sheet |  Español |  中文 |  عربى
• CDC Print Resources in Multiple Languages
• Coping with COVID-19 Fear and Uncertainty  |  Amharic  | Arabic  | Spanish  
• Coping with COVID-19 Fear and Uncertainty – Resources for Parents and Children  | Amharic  | Arabic  | Spanish 
• Viruses Don’t Discriminate–and Neither Should We (Combating Stigma)  | Arabic  | Amharic | Spanish

Resources to Meet Basic Needs for Those Impacted by the Coronavirus COVID-19 Response

DCHS continues to maintain a growing list of resources for those impacted by the COVID-19 response, ranging from food assistance and safety net services to healthcare and help for small businesses. Recent additions include:

• Safer Sex and COVID-19: As Alexandrians are staying home and practice physical distancing, a common question is whether or not it is safe to have sex. Here are some tips for how to enjoy safe sex and avoid contracting and spreading COVID-19.
• A Guide for Virginia Child Care Providers to Navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic: This document includes a knowledge guide with the most current information on how to maintain financial stability, support staff and protect health; a risk/benefit assessment to help guide decisions of whether to remain open (or reopen) to offer child care to families, prioritizing services to children of essential personnel; and a flow chart of resources, including funding.

Food Distribution Sites and Schedules

• For food pantry locations and schedules in Alexandria, available in English, Arabic, Amharic and Spanish, visit hungerfreealexandria.com or call 703.662.1067.
• View a map of food distribution sites and times.
• The YMCA is offering produce distribution across DC, Maryland and Virginia. Produce is available for anyone, free of charge, regardless of their affiliation with the YMCA. View locations and times as well as additional resources related to food assistance.

Employment Resources

• The Workforce Development Center is posting periodic job flyers with links to employment opportunities in the region. Check WDC’s Facebook or Twitter, or visit wdc.alexandriava.gov.

Coping Resources

Resources continue to be added to the COVID-19 Wellness Resource Guide, a list of resources for self-care, managing stress and anxiety, and coping resources for individuals, parents, children, families, and responders to help with the life changes and heightened stress and anxiety as a result of COVID-19.

• Mental Health and Wellness Resources for Managing Stress and Anxiety
• Resources for Practicing Self-Care and Resilience
• Parenting/Caregiver Guides to help support kids through the COVID-19 Crisis
• Coping Resources for Youth
• Guides for Caregivers for Older Adults
• Strategies for Home Visitors
• For people who are experiencing emotional distress

Recent Updates and News Related to Services and Resources

• The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) Releases New Guidance for Those with COVID-19 Symptoms or Diagnosis: In addition to staying home and thorough hand-washing practices, residents who are sick or have a COVID-19 diagnosis can take additional steps to protect their neighbors, co-workers, and loved ones. New guidance from AHD outlines how to limit the spread of COVID-19 in your household, and how to identify and reach out to your close contacts so that they can take the proper precautions.
• Shopping Hours to Reduce COVID-19 Complication Risks: The City’s website now lists Alexandria grocery stores that have provided information about separate shopping hours for customers at higher risk for COVID-19 infection complications.
• CDC Provides Guidance for Persons with Disabilities: Although most people with disabilities are not inherently at higher risk for becoming infected with or having severe illness from COVID-19, some people with disabilities might be at a higher risk of infection or severe illness because of their underlying medical conditions. Review new CDC guidance for persons with disabilities, and talk with your healthcare provider if you have a question about your health or how your health condition is being managed.

See March 28 and April 6 articles highlighting previous updates on services and programs available to those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

For the latest on COVID-19 crisis, including Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19, visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus. For questions about COVID-19, call the Alexandria COVID-19 Information Line at  703.746.4988, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Virginia residents can also call the Virginia Department of Health public information line at 877-ASK-VDH3. If you have chest pain or shortness of breath, call or text 911. To get alerts, text ALEXCOVID19 to 888777.