Council members call for more transitional and affordable housing as part of response to homelessness concerns
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Summary
Alexandria council members told residents the city will continue partnering with nonprofit developers to expand affordable and transitional housing, and said they are asking state and regional partners for additional funding amid economic uncertainty; no specific new city allocation was approved at the town hall.
Residents asked what the city will do about rising homelessness and related public safety concerns. Council members described housing and transitional housing as the central response.
“One of the things that we continue to make sure that we're doing is, building affordable housing, but also transitional housing,” Councilman Chapman said. He added that the city is working “partnering with a number of nonprofit developers” and is calling on the state and neighboring localities to help fund additional transitional beds and services.
Council members acknowledged limits on local authority and funding. “We can't replace federal money,” one councilman said, noting the city is assembling a safety‑net and signposting federal workers and others to city resources for food, rental assistance and health needs.
Council members described specific local actions: increased officer engagement at problematic properties, interdepartmental work groups addressing code enforcement, housing and health department follow‑up on violations, and outreach including legal‑aid referrals and “know your rights” sessions for tenants.
Ending: City officials said they will continue to pursue partnerships, press the state for funding assistance, and roll out targeted community resources and events to connect residents with services.