Supporting Our Neighbors Impacted by the Shutdown
ACT and NeighborShare launched NeighborShare ALX during the government shutdown, exemplifying how ACT catalyzes solutions that expand philanthropy and address real-time community needs.
In just four months, neighbors across Alexandria stepped up to support one another through NeighborShare ALX. Because of the generosity and engagement of Alexandrians:
- 38 families received over $15,000 in shutdown-related support.
- 37 additional families received help with everyday financial emergencies, bringing total assistance to $30,000.
- $8,000 of that support came directly from neighbors
- More than 220 neighbors were helped, including 100 children.
- Support addressed urgent basic needs like groceries, rent, utilities, and medical bills, helping families remain housed, fed, and stable.
These contributions provided fast, flexible help to Alexandrians facing sudden income loss, including furloughed federal employees, government contractors, and service workers experiencing the reverberating effects of the shutdown. This help arrived when it mattered most and prevented short-term disruptions from becoming long-term crises.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who donated, shared the opportunity with others, and helped activate compassion across our city. This response reflected the very best of Alexandria: neighbors caring for neighbors with generosity, dignity, and trust. It also demonstrates the power of a collective response.
As a result of the success of this pilot, NeighborShare has decided to continue supporting the Alexandria-based nonprofit partners as full-time members of its trusted platform.
LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED
How to Reach Help
We understand that needs can arise at any time, whether shutdown-related or not. No matter the reason, if you or someone you know is seeking assistance, the City of Alexandria has compiled community resources for food, shelter, emergency financial assistance, and more.
*NeighborShare is a nonprofit platform that enables everyday people to support a neighbor in need quickly and transparently. NeighborShare provides access to timely financial assistance that can prevent a family from spiraling deeper into hardship.