This past winter, a family in Mineral County faced the very real possibility of losing heat in their home. For a multi-generational household already managing serious health challenges, the loss of gas service would have made daily life unsafe. The grandfather had recently lost his job and spent more than a month in the hospital,...
On a hot August day, an elderly neighbor walked into the Catholic Charities West Virginia office in Parkersburg looking for help. His electric service was set to be disconnected that very day, and the amount he owed felt impossible to manage on his own. Program Assistant, Keith Eddy, got to work right away. He reached...
When Sarah’s health began to decline, it quickly affected every part of her life. She had to leave her job due to ongoing illness and found work as a housekeeper so she could continue supporting her family. As a single mother of two, she balanced caring for her children with managing a serious medical condition...
When a young couple found themselves living out of their car, the dream of a safe, stable home felt just out of reach. An opportunity to move into an apartment finally opened the door, but like so many families facing housing insecurity, the upfront costs of a security deposit and first month’s rent stood in...
When a nine-year-old girl grew worried for her family, she turned to someone she trusted, Hannah Cooper. Hannah is a volunteer at the local girls’ dance company and also serves as a Service Specialist with Catholic Charities West Virginia. Hannah reached out to the child’s 86-year-old great-grandmother, Sandra, who leads their four-generation household. Their electricity...
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...
The Turner family came to Catholic Charities West Virginia during a time of significant challenge. Like many families working hard to make ends meet, they were navigating delays in receiving their SNAP benefits while also contending with barriers to accessing utility services due to previous outstanding balances. Recognizing their determination and commitment to creating a...
A woman named Leigh came to our office in Romney carrying a heavy burden — a high electricity termination notice that threatened her comfort and stability. But behind that one bill was a much deeper story of perseverance and hope. Leigh had recently returned to work after being seriously injured in a car accident. During...
Cultivating partnerships broadens our collective impact and builds trust within the communities we serve. We recently saw the value of this collaborative approach in our new Romney Office. Jim needed assistance with electric service at the home he shares with his son. His electricity had been shut off the day before he came to see...
On March 21, 2024, life changed drastically for Ms. P., a dedicated grandmother raising two grandchildren in her cherished home of 23 years in Hardy County. That afternoon, wildfires erupted in the woods behind her house. “I called 911 twice,” Ms. P. recalls, “They said if we needed to evacuate, they would let us know....
