Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) has expanded its services in Morgantown to offer a transitional housing program.
“The need for transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness is significant,” said CCWVa Grace Shelter Director Jessica Thompson. “Grace Transitional Housing extends the support Catholic Charities can offer to our neighbors in need. It provides a bridge from homelessness to permanent housing.”
This transitional housing program compliments Catholic Charities’ Grace Shelter, a 19-bed emergency shelter also located at Hazel’s House of Hope, and undertaken by the agency in 2024. Both programs reflect the agency’s mission to serve the most vulnerable West Virginians.
“Beyond shelter, these programs offer hope, dignity and compassion,” said Thompson.
Grace Transitional Housing will serve individuals ages 18 years and older who are experiencing homelessness. Five apartments are located in Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue. Units are furnished, and utilities are included in the rent. This allows individuals to save money for a deposit and first month’s rent for their future, permanent housing.
“Affordable housing remains out of reach for millions of renters in the U.S. Transitional housing like what we will offer at Grace helps residents build a rental history, connect with supportive services to build financial literacy and improve their job prospects, and eventually secure permanent housing,” said Thompson.
All units have carpet and vinyl flooring. Rent includes water, heat, air conditioning, electric, sewer, and trash. The site includes one two-bedroom and four one-bedroom units. Applicants must submit a completed application and proof of income to be placed on the waiting list. The lease term is six months.
More than 1,000 homeless individuals currently live in West Virginia. In the six counties of the West Virginia Continuum of Care Region 1, more than 230 people were unhoused or residing in emergency shelters as of January 2025. Region 1 includes Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Tucker, Doddridge, and Harrison Counties.
Several other CCWVa programs are housed within Hazel’s House of Hope, including the agency’s Child Care Resource Center, WV Birth to Three, Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services, Emergency Financial Assistance program, and Grace Shelter.
For information, visit www.ccwva.org.
