A few of the agencies and government programs servicing the Charleston area are listed below. There is more that what is listed. This website provides a more detailed list of resources available in Kanawha County.
Get rent, utility bill, and security deposit assistance
Each year, the federal government provides funding to Charleston, West Virginia, to help residents with a variety of bills and expenses. Some organizations will be giving money to people who need it. The organizations that help the homeless in Charleston are the Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center, the Covenant House, and the Salvation Army of Charleston.
The majority of the federal government funds will go toward helping families and individuals with renting assistance for a short amount of time or for a medium amount of time. There may also be money from grants to help with the security deposit or to help with paying utility bills. If someone needs to move into a home or apartment, or if they lose their home to foreclosure, funds can be used to provide moving assistance.
The Kanawha County DHHR Office provides several government programs and referrals to support those who are working poor and facing poverty.
There are services available that can help with health care needs, such as Medicare or Medicaid. The Medicaid program provides low-cost or free medical care to eligible individuals and families with low incomes. The program is jointly funded by the federal government and the state of West Virginia. Services are available in hospitals or in an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.
This service is for families and individuals who may not be able to afford medical care. There are many different types of healthcare assistance programs available, all of which are set by federal and state guidelines. The amount of aid provided will depend on the individual or family circumstances.
The Medicaid Work Incentive allows disabled people between the ages of 16 and 65 to have health care coverage. Applicants who are disabled according to the Social Security Administration and who are employed may qualify if their total income is at or below 250% of the poverty guidelines.
Transportation to and from medical appointments is offered for recipients of Medicaid and people who receive Children with Special Health Care Needs. This program may request money back for the cost of travel to get medical services.
The Emergency Crisis Assistance program offered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in Charleston provides assistance to people in crisis situations. The financial assistance program helps low-income families and individuals pay for expenses during a financial crisis when they have no other resources available. If you need help paying your heating bills, you may be eligible for the West Virginia Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). LIEAP can help eligible households with the cost of paying their home heating bills.
The program is really beneficial for seniors and families with children in Charleston. There is an additional program called “20% Discount” that can help with energy bills. This is a special program that gives qualified residents a 20% discount on their electric and/or natural gas bills. To be eligible, families must meet certain requirements set by the state.
The food stamp program provides eligible households with a monthly stipend to help cover the cost of groceries. The government SNAP program provides similar benefits. Some food pantries and soup kitchens offer groceries, free food, baby formula and other nutritional support for low income people who would otherwise go without.
The DHHR office is located on Washington Street in Charleston, West Virginia. The number to call is 304-746-2360. There are other government programs in West Virginia that can help with things like money, employment, and healthcare.
What about other Charleston West Virginia assistance programs?
There are also several other assistance programs and resources for people who live in Kanawha County and Charleston, West Virginia. These programs and resources can help with things like food, housing, and healthcare. This website provides information about who to contact for help, as well as a list of available resources.