Congregational Connection

ALIVE! Activities & Updates
Each month, volunteers help to ensure that everyone in our community has access to basic necessities. Thank you to everyone who continues to join ALIVE! for our month and pop-up food distribution events!
If you’d like to join our volunteer teams and get more involved with ALIVE!’s food program visit: https://www.alive-inc.org/we-need-volunteers-alexandria-va/
Housewares Donation List
The ALIVE! Housewares Program helps provide basic items to our neighbors transitioning into housing. Currently, our greatest needs are towels, bedding, microwaves, mops, and vacuums. If you are able to donate new or gently used an item it can make a huge impact for Alexandria families in need!

Alexandria Library Chromebook Lending Program

The library’s new Chromebook lending program lets users who do not otherwise have the equipment or services needed to access the internet browse worry free. The Chromebooks include free, unlimited connection to the internet from anywhere using built-in wireless technology.

Plus, your information is safe and secure. Promptly after returning the device, each Chromebook undergoes a factory reset and all user data is erased. Instructions for borrowers to do this prior to returning the device are also included, for those wanting added peace of mind.

Visit alexlibraryva.org/Chromebooks to learn more. Borrowers will need to sign a brief statement in acknowledgement of their need.

Community Resources for Older Adults

This month’s Senior Living in Alexandria workshop on Thursday, March 17 at 10am will focus on Community Resources for Older Adults to stay in their homes and live independently. Senior Services of Alexandria staff will discuss its programs and services including Meals on Wheels, Groceries-to-Go, and the Friendly Visitor Programs. This event will be virtual via Zoom.

Click here to register for this Webinar on Community Resources for Older Adults.

Alexandria Indoor Air Quality Study

The Alexandria Health Department is recruiting participants for an indoor air quality pilot study.

Participants will receive up to $100 in gift cards, can keep the air cleaning devices used in the study, and will make a great contribution to improving health for their neighbors that have chronic respiratory health conditions! To apply please visit: https://redcap.link/acestudy

Free Tax Return Preparation Services

The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation services, by appointment only, to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below $58,000 for individuals and families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which many do not realize they are eligible to receive. Electronic filing is provided.

Appointments for services will be offered on Saturdays, 9am – Noon and Wednesdays, 6pm – 8pm, February 5 through April 23, at the Department of Community and Human Services (2525 Mount Vernon Ave).

Temperature checks and masks will be required. Call 703-831-2918 to make an appointment. Calls will be returned within three calendar days. You can download the City’s flyer (in English and Spanish) by clicking here.

Computer CORE- Skills Trainings

Since 1999, Computer CORE’s mission has been to prepare underserved adults to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills. Sponsored by the Alexandria Central Rotary Club, Computer CORE will be holding two free virtual basic computer skills Boot Camps for City of Alexandria residents 18 years old or older.

The Boot Camps are:

1) March 16-17  from 12-4 pm each day
2) March 30-31 from 12-4 pm each day

There is space available for 8 participants for each Boot Camp, and each participants will each receive a free refurbished laptop to keep. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Donna at donna@computercore.org regarding prospective candidates or have them email her directly.

You can see more about the work that Computer CORE does by visiting their website
 

 

Facing Eviction or Need Rental Assistance?

Meet with AEPP staff in-person for immediate assistance. Facilities are subject to close due to inclement weather and please bring your lease, ledgers, and any documents (snap or ssi approvals).

Every Tuesday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
alternating between Charles Houston Rec Center (901 Wythe Street)
and William Ramsay Rec Center (5650 Sanger Avenue):

Every Thursday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
at Casa Chirilagua (4109 Mt Vernon Ave)

Questions? Call 571-463-8567 or visit: www.alive-inc.org/aepp

ALIVE!’s Food Distribution Schedule

Click the hyperlink below for the March ALIVE! Food Distribution Calendar. The calendar is subject to change.

ALIVE! strives to provide nutritious foods through direct distribution to our clients and by supporting Alexandria’s food pantries, meal kitchens, public schools, recreation centers, and other community partners.

To get a PDF of the entire month’s calendar of ALIVE! food distribution click the hyperlink below. Calendar subject to change.

ALIVE! Food Distribution Calendar (March 2022)

Weekend Food Distribution:
ALIVE! distributes bags of food (groceries, produce, chicken, eggs, bread) at 3 sites one Saturday per month in the parking lot at each site. ALIVE! food distributions are for City of Alexandria residents. No ID required.

Reusable Bags:
ALIVE! is running low on reusable bags. If you are able, please bring reusable bags to food distribution events so that ALIVE! can recycle them for future events. All reusable bags are accepted.

Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Drive-through:

  • Cora Kelly Elementary School (3600 Commonwealth Ave)
  • NVCC Alexandria Campus (parking lot B-1 via 500 Dawes Ave)

Walk-up:

  • Cora Kelly Elementary School (3600 Commonwealth Ave)
  • William Ramsay Rec Center (5650 Sanger Ave)

Pop-Up Food Distributions:

ALIVE! provides bags of food to specific neighborhoods and apartment buildings, in collaboration with our community partners, in the parking lot at each pop-up location. Drive-through and walk-up service available depending on site.

Thursday, March 10 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM
William Ramsay Rec Center (5650 Sanger Ave.)

Friday, March 18 from 10:30 – 12:00 PM
Old Town Community Church (212 S. Washington St.)

Saturday, March 19 from 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Fairlington United Methodist Church (3900 King St.)

Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 – 12:00 PM
UNCUT Youth (1501 Cameron St.)

March Food Distribution