Community Aid and Resources in West Virginia

Community Aid Resources for West Virginia closetsamples

We know that life can present unexpected challenges, and sometimes, making ends meet feels overwhelming. If you're reading this, please know that you are not alone, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength and resilience. Our goal is to make that step a little easier by connecting you with the help available in your community.

In a different state? Check out my other article SNAP Benefits Suspended: Where to Find Emergency Food & Community Support - which lists assistance for all states. Find your state and the resource you need.

West Virginia faces significant economic and public health challenges, with a labor force participation rate of 54.3% and over 30,000 initial unemployment claims filed in 2025. The state is actively working to understand and address the health of its residents through initiatives like the MATCH survey, which collects vital data on physical and mental health, access to care, and health-related behaviors to better match community needs with resources. A robust network of state and community resources exists to support residents through these challenges.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the landscape of support available, from established government programs to community efforts.

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How to Use This West Virginia Guide

This post organizes vital resources by category, making it easier to find exactly what you need right now. We've compiled information on:

Immediate & Crisis Help: Essential hotlines for safety and mental health.
Food Assistance: Connecting with food banks and nutrition programs.
Financial & Housing Aid: Support with unemployment, housing costs, and utilities.
Health & Mental Healthcare: Access to medical and behavioral health services.
Additional State-Specific Resources: Help for seniors, veterans, legal aid, and more.

Immediate & Crisis Help

Here are the essential immediate and crisis help resources available in West Virginia, including national hotlines, state-specific services, and specialized support for domestic violence and homelessness.

This table summarizes the key hotlines available to everyone in West Virginia.

Service	Contact Method	Specialization & Details
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	Call or text 988	24/7 support for anyone in suicidal crisis, emotional distress, or substance use emergencies. Answered in-state by First Choice Services.
WV 211	Dial 211 or text your zip code to 898-211	Free, confidential information and referral for housing, food, utilities, health care, and disaster services.
HELP4WV	Call/Text 1-844-435-7498	WV's 24/7 addiction and behavioral health helpline with peer-support specialists.
Domestic Violence Hotline	Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)	24/7 connection to the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and local programs.

State-Wide Crisis Services

In West Virginia, the 988 Lifeline is answered locally by First Choice Services, ensuring you speak with a crisis counselor who understands state-specific resources. For non-crisis needs, WV 211 is your comprehensive resource for health and human services, functioning as a central hub.

HELP4WV: This is a critical state-specific resource for anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues. The helpline is staffed 24/7 by peer-support specialists and recovery coaches who have personal experience in recovery, and they can connect you to over 1,000 local resources.

Homelessness & Domestic Violence Resources

For those experiencing housing instability or domestic violence, West Virginia has dedicated organizations that coordinate support and resources statewide.

Homelessness Assistance:

West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness: This organization leads statewide efforts to end homelessness and works with local agencies across West Virginia.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program: This state program provides funding for emergency shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, and street outreach. If you are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, you can find your county's provider through the program.

Domestic Violence Support:

West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence: This is the state's leading coalition working to eliminate domestic violence. You can visit their website to find a local program or outreach office near you.

Food Assistance Programs in West Virginia

Here are the primary food assistance programs available in West Virginia.

Program	Official Resource & Description
SNAP (Food Stamps)	Apply through your local SNAP office. Eligibility is state-run with federal guidelines. To apply, contact your state or local SNAP office. You can apply online, in person, by mail, or by fax, and may need to complete an interview.
WIC	West Virginia WIC Apply online or call a local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. The program provides nutritious food, breastfeeding support, and nutrition education.
School Meals	West Virginia Department of Education Contact your child's school district directly for applications and proof of enrollment for the National School Lunch Program.
Local Food Banks	Major Food Bank Networks: • Mountaineer Food Bank • Facing Hunger Foodbank Both are Feeding America partners serving counties across West Virginia.

West Virginia Food Pantry Directory

I have gathered available information on food banks and pantries in West Virginia for you.

The table below provides a list of specific food pantries with their operational details, compiled from various community and organizational sources.

Pantry Name	Location	Hours of Operation	Requirements & Notes	Contact Information
Loaves & Fishes (CCAP)	549 N. Queen St., Martinsburg, WV	Mon - Fri, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM	• Berkeley County only • Social security card required • Must have permanent residence	304-263-3940 / 304-267-2810
The Salvation Army	111 Ellis St., Martinsburg, WV	Mon - Wed, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM	• Serves Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan counties • Need proof of income, photo ID, proof of residence	304-267-4612
St Ursula Food Pantry & Outreach	87 Pursglove Rd, Pursglove, WV 26545	First 3 Wednesdays of the month, 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM	By appointment only	304-599-3822
Catholic Charities	125 18th St, Wheeling, WV 26003	Tue & Thu, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM	Primarily serves households at/below 150% federal poverty guidelines, but no one is turned away
Catholic Charities	1513 Harrison Ave. Suite C10, Elkins, WV 26241	Mon: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM; Tue-Thu: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM	Primarily serves households at/below 150% federal poverty guidelines, but no one is turned away
Second Baptist Church	911 N. High St., Martinsburg, WV	Thursdays, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM or by appointment	Also operates a clothing closet	304-263-7810
Catholic Charities	113 North Main St, Webster Springs, WV 26288	Mon-Thu: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM	Primarily serves households at/below 150% federal poverty guidelines, but no one is turned away
Snyder's Bible Chapel	10980 Martinsburg Rd., Hedgesville, WV	Thursdays, 1:00 PM	• Serves Morgan & Berkeley counties • Must be a WV resident	304-820-8027
Mercy to Others Ministry	828 Nadenbousch Lane, Martinsburg, WV 25405	1st & 3rd Fridays, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM or by appointment	Offers delivery for those with no transportation or who are homeless	304-433-1370

How to Find More Food Assistance

The pantries listed above are just a small sample. To find help near you, use these more comprehensive search tools:

Use Online Food Finder Tools: Websites like Feeding America's Food Bank Locator and FoodFinder.us allow you to enter your zip code to find a map and list of nearby pantries, along with their hours and contact information.
Contact Major West Virginia Food Banks: These large organizations distribute food through hundreds of partner agencies across the state. Reaching out to them can help you find a local partner pantry:
- Facing Hunger Foodbank: Serves 17 counties in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. You can find a list of their 300 partner agencies on their website.
- Mountaineer Food Bank: One of the largest food banks in the state. Check their website for a network of local distribution partners.
Call 211: Dial 211 from anywhere in West Virginia to be connected to a local specialist who can provide information on food assistance and other essential community services.

Financial & Housing Assistance in West Virginia

Here are the official resources for financial and housing assistance programs in West Virginia, including application links and key details for each program.

Program	Official Name & Agency	How to Apply & Key Details
LIHEAP	Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) WV Bureau for Family Assistance	• Apply Online: WV PATH • Apply In-Person: Local DoHS office • Income-based; runs seasonally. Crisis component for loss of heating source.
TANF	WV WORKS WV Bureau for Family Assistance	• Apply Online: WV PATH • Apply In-Person: Local DoHS office • Provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Unemployment Benefits	Unemployment Insurance WorkForce West Virginia	• Apply Online: Unemployment Benefits Application • Phone: 1-800-252-JOBS (5627) • In-Person: Local WorkForce WV office.
Rental & Housing Assistance	Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program WV Housing Development Fund	• Program Status: Application portal is currently closed. • If facing eviction, contact Legal Aid of WV at 304-343-3013. • Contact local housing stability partners for other assistance.
Weatherization Assistance	Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) WV Community Action Association	• Contact your local Community Action Agency • Find Local Provider: WVCAA Resource Map • Income-based (≤200% Federal Poverty Guidelines); improves energy efficiency.

Key Details for Applicants

Utility Assistance Beyond LIEAP: The state offers a 20% Utility Discount Program for eligible SNAP recipients (age 60+), SSI recipients, or WV WORKS participants. Dollar Energy Fund provides a one-time grant as a last resort for customers with services off or facing termination.
Unemployment Claim Requirements: After applying, you must complete four work search activities per week and submit weekly certifications to maintain eligibility. The maximum benefit duration is 26 weeks.
Rental Assistance Alternatives: While the state program is closed, regional agencies provide help. For example, contact the WV Coalition to End Homelessness (304-843-9522) for statewide services or your local housing authority.

Health and Mental Health Care in West Virginia

Here are the key health and mental health care resources available in West Virginia, including official Medicaid application details and options for low-cost community care.

Resource Type	Official Name & Finder Tool	Key Details
Medicaid	West Virginia Medicaid Online Application: WV PATH	• Apply Online: WV PATH portal (recommended method) • Apply by Phone: 1-877-716-1212 (DoHS hotline) or 1-800-318-2596 (Federal Marketplace) • Apply In-Person: Local Department of Health & Human Resources (DoHS) office
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)	Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) Finder Tool: WVPCA Interactive Map	• Services: Comprehensive primary care (medical, dental, behavioral health) • Commitment: Serve all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay • Availability: 34 health center organizations with over 460 locations statewide
Sliding-Scale & Free Clinics	Provider-Based Sliding Fee Programs Examples: Community Care of WV, MVA Health Centers, WV Health Right	• Sliding Fee Scale: Discounted costs based on income/family size • Free/Charitable Care: Free comprehensive care for qualifying individuals

West Virginia Medicaid

West Virginia's Medicaid program provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and children. The program is administered by the state, and you can apply for it alongside other assistance programs like SNAP through the WV PATH online portal.

If you need help with the application process, you can visit your local county Department of Health and Human Services (DoHS) office or call the customer service hotline. Most local hospitals and primary care clinics also have staff who can assist you with your application.

Community Health Centers (FQHCs)

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are community-based organizations that provide comprehensive care to everyone, even if you have no insurance. They are a core part of West Virginia's healthcare safety net, serving one in three state residents.

How to Find a Center: The West Virginia Primary Care Association (WVPCA) maintains an interactive map with details and contact information for all Community Health Center sites across the state.
Services Offered: Include primary medical care, dental services, and behavioral/mental health care, often all under one roof.

Sliding-Scale & Free Clinics

Many West Virginia providers offer programs to make care affordable for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Sliding Fee Scale Programs: Organizations like Community Care of West Virginia (CCWV) and Monongahela Valley Association (MVA) Health Centers offer a sliding fee scale based on your family size and income. To qualify, you typically need to complete an application and provide proof of income, such as recent pay stubs or tax forms.
Free and Charitable Clinics: For those who are uninsured, West Virginia Health Right is a premier free clinic that provides comprehensive healthcare services at no cost to eligible adults.

Diaper Banks in West Virginia

West Virginia has a limited number of formal diaper banks. The primary resource from the National Diaper Bank Network lists only one member organization in the state. However, I found several other community programs that distribute free diapers.

Here is a summary of the available diaper assistance programs in West Virginia:

Organization/Program	Location/Service Area	Key Details
Felicia's Inc.	Rupert, WV	A member of the National Diaper Bank Network.
Kanawha Valley Collective	Kanawha & Putnam Counties	Multiple locations with free diapers, formula, and baby supplies. See table below for details.

Kanawha Valley Collective Locations

The Kanawha Valley Collective operates several locations with set hours for diaper distribution:

Address	City/County	Hours	Contact	Services
1620 7th Ave.	Charleston (Kanawha)	Mon-Thu, 9am-2:30pm	(304) 344-3407	Free diapers & formula
212 D St.	South Charleston (Kanawha)	Mon-Thu, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm	(304) 744-6741	Free diapers, baby food & formula
1207 Jefferson Rd.	South Charleston (Kanawha)	-	(304) 205-5865	Free diapers, wipes, & car seats
20 Radwin Dr. (Inside Winfield United Methodist)	Winfield (Putnam)	Mon-Thu, 9am-1:30pm	(304) 543-8770	Free diapers & formula

Tips for Finding More Help

Contact Local Organizations: Other types of organizations often provide diaper assistance. Try reaching out to local food pantries, community action agencies, and faith-based charities in your area.
Use Information and Referral Services: You can dial 2-1-1 from any phone in West Virginia or visit the 211 website. This free, confidential service can connect you to additional diaper resources in your specific community.

Clothing Banks in West Virginia

West Virginia has various organizations providing free or low-cost clothing through clothing banks, thrift stores, and community programs. You can find these resources in most communities, often alongside food and other essential services.

Here are some clothing assistance programs in West Virginia:

Organization / Program	Location	Service Details

Upshur Cooperative Parish House	68 College Ave., Buckhannon, WV	Provides clothing vouchers every 3 months. Open Mon-Fri, 9 am-1 pm.
The Sophie Moses Free Store	87 15th St., Wheeling, WV	Free store with new/gently used clothing, shoes, baby items. Appointment required: 304-233-9627.
Beckley Dream Center	224 Pinewood Dr., Beckley, WV	Offers clothing and food services. Open Tue-Thu, 10 am-4 pm.
Salvation Army	Multiple locations statewide	Provides clothing assistance. Contact local office for specific programs.
Goodwill Stores	Multiple locations statewide	Thrift stores selling low-cost clothing, supporting job training programs.
New 2 U Thrift Store	113 N Main St., Webster Springs, WV	Thrift store supporting Catholic Charities programs. Open Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm

How to Find More Local Help

The organizations listed are just a starting point. Here are the best ways to find clothing resources in your specific area:

Dial 2-1-1: For a comprehensive list of resources, call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. This free, confidential service operates 24/7 and can connect you to clothing banks, shelters, and other basic human needs resources in your community.
Check with Local Food Pantries: Many food assistance programs, like the ones listed in the Raleigh County and Upshur County resource directories, also distribute clothing. When you contact a local food pantry, it's always worth asking if they offer clothing.
Contact Family Resource Networks: The Upshur County Family Resource Network is an example of a local organization that compiles detailed resource lists. Searching online for your county's name followed by "Family Resource Network" can lead you to a similarly detailed local resource guide.

Additional Resources in West Virginia

Here is a list of additional state-specific resources for West Virginia, completing your community aid guide with legal aid, veteran services, aging and disability support, utility assistance, and child care programs.

Resource Category	Official Name & Contact	Key Details
Legal Aid	Legal Aid of West Virginia	Free civil legal help: domestic violence, housing, benefits, family law. Online application or call.
Veteran Services	U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)	Federal benefits portal: health care, disability claims, education, home loans. Online at VA.gov.
Aging & Disability Services	Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)	Four regional AAAs. Gateway to services like care coordination, meals, and caregiver support.
Utility Assistance	Dollar Energy Fund	Grant program of last resort for bills. Must apply for LIEAP first. Call 211 to apply.
Child Care Subsidies	Child Care Resource & Referral	Local agencies determine subsidy eligibility and help find child care.

Aging and Disability Services

West Virginia's network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provides information and access to services for older adults, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. The state is divided into four AAA regions:

Region I (Northwestern AAA): Serves 15 counties including Brooke, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Ohio, and Wood. Contact: 304-242-1800.
Region II (WVSC-Metro AAA): Serves 11 counties including Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, and Putnam. Contact: 304-720-6858.
Region III (Upper Potomac AAA): Serves 15 counties including Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Preston. Contact: 304-257-1221.
Region IV (Appalachian AAA): Serves 13 counties including Fayette, Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Raleigh, and Wyoming. Contact: 304-425-1147.

Utility Assistance Programs

Beyond the main Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), West Virginia offers other utility assistance programs:

20% Utility Discount Program: Provides a year-round discount on water bills and a seasonal discount (Nov-Mar) on electric and gas bills for eligible customers. You may qualify if you are a recipient of SNAP and over 60, receive SSI, or are a WV WORKS participant.
Dollar Energy Fund's WV Utility Assistance Program: A "fund of last resort" providing a one-time grant for customers with services off or facing termination. You must apply for LIEAP first and meet income guidelines (150%-200% of Federal Poverty Level). Call 211 for application information.

Child Care Subsidies

West Virginia's Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies are local non-profit organizations that help parents find child care options and manage the application process for government-subsidized child care. These agencies provide:

Eligibility determination for child care subsidies.
Referrals to local child care providers.
Consumer information and resources for parents.

How to Get Involved with Mutual Aid in West Virginia

I have found some organized volunteer opportunities in West Virginia through United Way and major food banks. Here is a summary of the volunteer opportunities I found to help you get started:

Organization / Network	Service Area / Type	How to Get Involved
United Way of Central West Virginia	Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, and 3 other counties. Formal Nonprofit.	• Day of Caring: A large, single-day event on September 17, 2025. Registration for volunteers opens June 11, 2025. • Contact: Katharina Fritzler at 304.340.3521 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties	Monongalia & Preston Counties. Formal Nonprofit.	• Find ongoing opportunities via GivePulse (general public) or iServe (WVU affiliates).
Facing Hunger Foodbank	17 counties in WV, KY, and OH. Food Bank.	Help sort, pack, and distribute food. They rely on hundreds of volunteers to move millions of pounds of food annually.
Mountaineer Food Bank	Statewide in West Virginia. Food Bank.	• Volunteer at mobile food distributions across many counties. • Contact: 304.364.5518

How to Find Mutual Aid Networks

While I found a lead for one mutual aid group, these community-based networks can be tricky to locate through traditional web searches. Here are some tips for finding them:

Check Social Media Directly: Grassroots mutual aid networks often use platforms like Facebook and Instagram for coordination and communication. Try searching for terms like "[Your City/County] mutual aid" or "WV mutual aid" directly on these social platforms.
Look for a Specific Group: Morgantown Mutual Aid is one such grassroots network. You can find more information about them on their Facebook page.
Understand Their Nature: Mutual aid is a form of solidarity-based support where community members help each other, often focusing on direct action and meeting immediate needs. They are typically less formal and more decentralized than traditional non-profits.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

Before using the resources listed in this guide, please read the following important information:

Information is Subject to Change: The details provided on this page (including phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, and eligibility requirements) are gathered from public sources and are subject to change without notice. We strive to keep this information current, but we cannot guarantee its absolute accuracy at all times.
Always Verify Directly: You should always confirm details by contacting the organization directly before visiting or applying. We highly recommend calling ahead to check for current hours, availability of services, documentation requirements, and appointment procedures.
Not an Official Source: This blog is not a government agency, social service provider, or legal entity. We are a private resource compiling publicly available information to help our community. We cannot determine your eligibility for any program, provide direct financial assistance, or guarantee that you will receive services.
No Eligibility Determinations: The inclusion of a program or organization on this list does not imply endorsement or a guarantee that you will qualify for assistance. Eligibility for all programs is determined solely by the administering organizations based on their specific guidelines.
Use at Your Own Discretion: While we aim to list reputable organizations, we encourage you to use your best judgment when contacting and working with any service provider.

This guide is intended as a starting point to help you find the help you need. The most reliable information will always come directly from the official organizations themselves.