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Resources for Residents Impacted by Federal Workforce Actions
Prince William County is home to more than 30,500 federal workers, as well as countless businesses that support the federal government. We know that many of our residents have or will be impacted by the new administration’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce. Prince William County stands ready to help and has a variety of resources available for those community members who have lost their jobs.
- Employment Opportunities and Career Support Resources
There are several organizations that provide unemployment benefits, job search assistance or are looking for employees:
- Virginia Career Works – Provides employment services and has an office at 13370 Minnieville Road in Woodbridge. The Center is open to walk-ins for in-person job search services or call 703-586-6800.
- Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) – A state agency that manages unemployment benefits and job services. The VEC also helps employers find qualified workers and can help eligible residents apply for unemployment benefits.
- Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program – Aids veterans who are job seekers to identify, apply and start their next job.
- Staffing Services – There are several companies in Prince William County that offer temporary staffing services to businesses throughout the region.
- Virginia Has Jobs - A new website launched by the state to connect job opportunities in the state with Virginia's talented workforce.
- Prince William County Public Schools – The second largest school division in Virginia and the 32nd largest in the nation. Check out the PWCS jobs available on their website.
- Prince William County Government – More than 6000 employees serve our community in a variety of jobs. There are career opportunities available in all areas of your government. View all job opportunities with the county and apply today!
Also, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT) is closely monitoring the direct impacts of the federal reduction in force on Prince William County. They are tracking changes in the unemployment rate, monitoring WARN notices, and compiling data to help strategize responses to any specific changes as they arise. In particular:
- Workforce Strategy Development: DEDT has engaged TIP Strategies to develop a short- and long-term strategy and roadmap for their workforce program. Although this study was initiated before the recent federal cuts, the department has asked the consultant to factor in the current federal-level changes as they build out the strategy.
- Regional Economic Collaboration: DEDT is highly engaged with the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (NOVA EDA). NOVA EDA is in the process of engaging a consultant (Strategic Impact Advisors) to study the direct economic impacts of federal cuts on the regional workforce. They are also planning a series of webinars aimed at addressing options for recently unemployed federal workers (e.g. specific guidance on starting a business).
- Entrepreneurship and Workforce Training Resources
Interested in starting your own business or learning skills in a different field? There are several organizations in our area that offer help and resources in these fields:
- Mason Small Business Development Center – Prince William - For those considering the entrepreneurship route, the Mason SBDC offers business counseling and training services to start your business at no cost.
- Regional Center for Workforce Education & Training, NVCC (Woodbridge campus) - Offers continuing education and professional development courses and programs to gain in-demand skills and preparation for industry credentials.
- DEDT Small Business Program – Supports federal workers looking to move into consulting or start their own business.
Additional Workforce/Entrepreneurship Resources
- GMU Mason Enterprise Centers – Works with private sector partners to provide Virginians with the support and resources they need to start their own company and expand their small business. Services include business counseling, workshops, and training, with access to GMU’s vast resources, research and extensive network of alumni and industry partnerships.
- GMU Nanofabrication Boot Camp 2025 - A week-long course that is an exclusive, risk-free change to explore a career in nanofabrication with lesson content that is informed by industry.
- Accelerator at Innovation – The Prince William Science Accelerator offers access to infrastructure, equipment, expertise, workforce, and startup support services.
Reports & Research
- Deloitte Report – Advanced Manufacturing Skills Needed - A 2021 study predicting a shortage of 2.1 million manufacturing jobs by 2030 (updated to 1.9 million jobs by 2033).
- Reskilling in Manufacturing - A detailed report focusing on the need for employees in the manufacturing industry.
- Learning and Skill Development Resources
Prince William County Public Libraries has an incredible Digital Library that offers a full range of services, such as:
- LinkedIn Learning - An online portal offering hundreds of personal and professional development videos.
- JobNow - Assistance with application materials (résumé, cover letter), job searches, and interview practice. Available daily from 2–11 p.m.
- VetNow - Support for veterans navigating VA benefits, paperwork, and programs (Monday–Friday, 2–11 p.m.).
- Counseling and Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Services - Experiencing job loss can be a difficult and challenging experience that can impact your mental health. Prince William County Community Services offers a wide range of mental health and substance abuse services, including same day access. They can help during non-emergencies and emergencies. They offer Crisis Intervention Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which can be accessed by calling 703-792-7800 in Manassas or 703-792-4900 in Woodbridge.
In addition, those who are experiencing a crisis and would like to speak with someone right away may call 9-8-8 who will connect callers with the needed resources.
Staying Active in the Community – Staying active and connected to your community is important and good way to help your mental and physical wellbeing. The county offers many no cost or low-cost opportunities for you to take advantage of.
- Prince William County Public Libraries has 12 libraries, a vast digital online catalog, and a rich history of educational programs and community outreach services.
- Prince William County Parks and Recreation manages more than 5,000 acres of parkland comprised of more than 80 park properties and 60+ miles of trails.
- Prince William County Senior Centers offers a wide variety of structured and unstructured activities and classes designed to enhance health and wellness, strengthen the mind and provide an opportunity to enjoy time with friends.
- Housing Support Resources
Housing Counseling
- Virgina Cooperative Extension (Prince William)- Financial Education and Housing Counseling Program - Offers complimentary counseling in-person, over the phone, and via Zoom, to include financial coaching and seminars, housing counseling, and more.
- First Home Alliance - Located in Woodbridge, a HUD-approved 501(c)3 not-for-profit, housing counseling agency that promotes financial literacy and economic self-sufficiency.
- Center for Assistance to Families – With an office in Woodbridge, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency that provides free educational workshops and a wide range of housing counseling services, including pre-purchase assistance, foreclosure prevention, and rental guidance to low-income and immigrant families.
Homeless Services
For those who may be in danger of losing your home or who are experiencing homelessness, the county’s Coordinated Entry System can provide assistance and connect you to the most appropriate resource for your circumstance. CES is available by calling 703-792-3355 or emailing [email protected].
- Food Assistance
Food security for individuals and families is a critical need to maintain one’s health and wellbeing. If you are in need of food for you or your family, the Northern Virginia Food Rescue can help connect you with food resources in the community.
In addition, the Prince William Health District’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) – Prince William Health District provides supplemental food, health care referrals and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women; and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. You can call 703-792-7319 or email [email protected].
- Financial Counseling and Assistance
Public Assistance Programs - The county’s Department of Social Services administers timely and accurate income support benefits to income-eligible individuals and families living in Prince William County. These programs include:
- Medical Assistance - The Medicaid and Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) are medical assistance programs that make direct payments to health care service providers for eligible individuals and families who are unable to pay for needed medical services.
- Food Assistance - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthly benefit to eligible individuals and families to supplement the purchase of nutritious foods.
- Financial Assistance - The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance to families with children to help meet their basic needs.
- Child Care Subsidy Program - The Child Care Subsidy Program provides financial assistance to low-income, eligible families to help pay a portion of childcare costs so families can work or participate in education programs. The Virginia Department of Education Child Care website provides a comprehensive repository of resources and information to make choosing safe, quality child care easier for parents.
- Energy Assistance - The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income households to help meet home heating and/or cooling expenses.
Financial Counseling - Virginia Cooperative Extension (Prince William)- Financial Education and Housing Counseling Program - Offers complimentary counseling in-person, over the phone, and via Zoom, to include financial coaching and seminars, housing counseling, and more.
Tax Payments - Prince William County does offer payment plans that can be set up through the Taxpayer Services Portal. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by calling 703-792-6710, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Comprehensive Resource Guides
- Prince William Area Continuum of Care’s Community Resource Guide – A comprehensive list of services provided by the county and other community partners offered to residents in need.
- The Human Services Alliance of Greater Prince William -Offers a list of resources, connecting residents to human service organizations, the faith community and other community organizations that provide support services.
- The Community Health Resource Guide is for those 60 and older and provided by UVA Health. Residents can also call the Area Agency’s on Aging Communication, Referral, Information, & Assistance line at 703-792-6374 for more direct questions and tailored resources.
- 211 – Human Service Information and Referral - 211 is a free, confidential service available 24/7, 365 days a year, connecting people with information on available housing, food, healthcare, and other community resources. People may call 211, text CONNECT to 247211 or use the website 211virginia.org.
- Resource Pages from the County's Federal Delegation