When
individuals and families in Alexandria find themselves without permanent
housing, the Alexandria Department of Community & Human Services (DCHS) and
the Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness are there to provide invaluable
data, resources and assistance.
The Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services
has released a new video that highlights five stories of individuals with lived
experience of homelessness. The goal of the video is to raise community
awareness and understanding, and in turn address negative stigma and
misconceptions regarding those experiencing homelessness.
The Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness analyzes data of populations experiencing homelessness to 1) Identify trends and access needs, 2) identify where program changes or enhancements are needed, 3) measure impact, and 4) inform the decision-making of other organizations and elected officials.
Homelessness and Seniors*
Alexandria’s emergency shelters' aging population has remained relatively stable over the past three years. Annually, 10-11% of all adults in shelters are over 65 years of age. More than 70% of aging adults in shelters identify as Black or African American and more than 57% report having some disabling condition. While the aging population experiences homelessness less frequently, they stay for longer durations than the general population. On average, adults over 65 stayed more than 30 days longer in shelters than others.
While it may take more time, the aging population successfully transitions from shelter to permanent housing at the same rate as other adults. Forty-four (44%) of aging adults residing in shelters in the past three years transitioned to permanent housing. Of these permanent exits, 79% went to subsidized housing units.
Homelessness and Families with Children
In 2024, 103 children and youth were served in Alexandria emergency shelters – a 75% increase from three years ago. The dramatic rise in homelessness can be attributed to serving more families, and larger families, over that time span, with the average family size increasing from 3.3 to 3.9 members.
Over the past four years, no less than 64% of children served in shelters identified as Black or African American. Hispanic and Latinx children made up 25% of children and youth in shelters in 2024, compared to just 10-12% in the three years prior. Children and youth stayed in shelters an average of 106 days in 2024 -- 30 days longer than in 2021.
Eviction remains the primary reason for families with children to enter a shelter, followed by loss of social support and dissolution of relationships. Financial catalysts for family homelessness like loss of benefits or childcare have reduced since 2021 but remain a factor. Income remains the largest barrier to stable housing for families with children in shelters. In each of the past four years, at least 50% of adults in households with children made less than 15% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or $23,200 annually.
For more information on the data regarding homelessness in Alexandria, please contact Stefan Caine at Stefan.caine@alexandriava.gov.
