Homeless Assistance in West Virginia

Homeless Assistance in West Virginia

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to West Virginia residents.

1,400+
People experiencing homelessness
70+
Assistance programs statewide
$20M+
Federal housing funds
55 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in West Virginia within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for West Virginia residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across West Virginia. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in West Virginia. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for West Virginia veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible West Virginia residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in West Virginia. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. West Virginia receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local West Virginia Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple West Virginia locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through West Virginia community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income West Virginia residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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West Virginia State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by West Virginia for residents experiencing homelessness.

WV ESG & Homeless Programs

WVHDF administers Emergency Solutions Grants and state housing funds for emergency shelters, rapid re-housing, and homeless prevention across West Virginia.

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TANF – West Virginia (WV WORKS)

WV WORKS provides cash assistance and job training for eligible families with dependent children. Apply at wvpath.org or any local DHHR office.

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West Virginia Medicaid

Health coverage for eligible West Virginians. Medicaid expansion covers adults under 65 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level.

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West Virginia Housing Programs

West Virginia Housing Development Fund provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income West Virginia residents.

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West Virginia Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through West Virginia’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income West Virginia households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major West Virginia cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Charleston

CAMC Foundation — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Charleston area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Huntington

Prestera Center — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Huntington area.

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Morgantown

WV Coalition to End Homelessness — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Morgantown area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in West Virginia.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in West Virginia near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in West Virginia. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. West Virginia benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. West Virginia has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • West Virginia Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for West Virginia veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in West Virginia.
Apply at West Virginia’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.