Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center

 Struggling with mental health is hard enough when you have support ... Imagine what it's like when you lack the resources for basic life needs?

In Alexandria, there are low-income residents working hard to manage or recover from mental health conditions who have no one to turn to when emergency needs fall through the cracks. Unexpected health care costs, shortages in funds for housing and basic life needs—all can make staying on an already difficult path to recovery even harder.

They need community support. And Friends is ready to provide it.

During Spring2ACTion we are excited to announce that the Mason Hirst Foundation has graciously awarded Friends a $5,000.00 matching grant!

For over 40 years, Friends has supported Alexandrians. From 1984 to today, our mission has remained the same: to provide financial help and hope to Alexandrians who participate in City services for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and intellectual / developmental disabilities. 

$40 pays for senior transportation to needed medical appointments

$80 pays for swim lessons for a child

$120 pays for a utility bill

$160 pays for medicine 

$200 pays for dental work

$240 pays for groceries 

$400 pays for back-to-school clothes for three children

$800 pays for rent

$1,600 pays for a specialized youth opioid addiction treatment

$2,000 pays for a co-pay for residential treatment

FRIENDS-AT-A-GLANCE

• Not-for-profit organization founded in 1984

  All volunteer, so every dollar you give goes directly to those in need

  Who we serve: Low-income residents receiving care from the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services for mental illness, intellectual disability, and substance abuse

  What we provide: Financial assistance for basic life needs, such as housing, clothes, transportation, and emergency health and dental care

  Other support: Help with education; finding and maintaining employment; and participating more fully in community life.

In addition to supporting individual needs, Friends also:

• co-sponsors community education events to reduce stigma

  helps purchase supplemental equipment for extended care residences

  advocates for mental health care programs 

Community support is a critical component of recovery and well-being. Please join us to lend a hand, raise a voice, and foster understanding!

To learn more about Friends, please check out our website at friendsofamhc.org

*Friends of the AMHC was originally established as Friends of the Alexandria Community Mental Health Center.