Stay informed about disaster response and recovery efforts from Catholic Charities West Virginia.
For Mr. B., home is more than a place to live. Tucked into the hills of Wyoming County, it is a reflection of his family’s history, sacrifice, and love. Originally built in 1975 by his uncle as a small store, the structure was later transformed into a home through the hard work and dedication of...
They had just been watching the weather reports that night, like everyone else. Storm advisories were scrolling across the screen. The wind was picking up, but they never imagined how quickly it would turn. At home were a grandmother and grandfather raising their two young grandchildren, ages 4 and 6. The youngest was staying with...
When Hurricane Helene swept through their West Virginia community, one family never expected the storm’s impact to last more than a year. Strong winds sent a neighbor’s tree crashing through their roof, leaving their home exposed and unsafe. In an instant, a place of comfort became a source of stress and uncertainty. The family of...
As recovery continues following June’s devastating floods in Ohio County, Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) is playing a critical role in helping families begin rebuilding their homes and their lives. While emergency response efforts addressed immediate needs – like food, shelter, and cleanup – survivors are now entering the next phase: long-term recovery. Catholic Charities...
At 63 years old, Ms.T and her longtime partner had already weathered more than their fair share of storms—literally. In April 2024, a powerful tornado destroyed their mobile home, leaving them with nothing. Thanks to support from FEMA and WV VOAD, they were able to rebuild a small, one-bedroom cinderblock house—a place of peace and...
Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) is proud to announce it has received a generous grant from Catholic Charities USA to support outreach and disaster case management efforts for individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene, primarily in Mercer County, with outreach extending to surrounding areas. This grant enables Catholic Charities West Virginia to deepen its...
On September 27, 2024, the winds of Hurricane Helene swept through Mercer County, leaving behind a trail of destruction—and a call to compassion. For Mark, whose home of more than 30 years was struck by a falling tree, the storm marked the beginning of a long and uncertain road to recovery. What began with homeowner’s...
February 15, 2025, began as an average Saturday for Jimmy and Melanie Dover. “It had been raining, but I was just watching tv and didn’t think nothing of it,” said Jimmy. “Then water started coming in. By supper, Melanie was yelling ‘we got to go!’” The Dovers and thousands of other people fled their homes....
Catholic Charities West Virginia is honored to announce the recipient of the 2025 Charity in Action Award: the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV). This esteemed award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedicated commitment to service and partnership profoundly impacts our communities. “Charity is love in action. We seek organizations that truly reflect that...
On a seemingly ordinary day, Will’s life was turned upside down when a tornado touched down, sending a massive oak tree crashing down on his house. “If I would have been home in bed, along with my nieces and nephews, we all would’ve been killed instantly,” Will reflects, still shaken by the thought. Instead, a...
