Huntington To Open New Low Barrier Homeless Shelter

As communities across West Virginia have implemented camping bans that target homeless people with nowhere to sleep, the city of Huntington on Tuesday announced a very different approach. 

The city plans to open a new, low barrier shelter away from the business district but close to needed resources. 

Huntington’s City Mission provides more than 160 beds for men, women and families. It’s location, adjacent to downtown businesses, has been troubling for some, particularly as it evolved into a low barrier shelter that welcomed anyone, including those with mental illness or in the throes of active addiction. 

Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell on Tuesday announced plans to open a new facility roughly 10 blocks away that will offer far more than a place to sleep.

“The new low barrier overnight shelter will bring key health and social services together,” Farrell said. “Providing on site access to wraparound services that we know are part of the long term solution. This is the most coordinated and compassionate effort our city has ever made to address homelessness. This isn’t just a safe haven for tonight. It’s a starting point for tomorrow.”

The new shelter is a collaborative effort between the city and multiple health partners including Cabell Huntington Health Department, Prestera Health Services, Harmony House, Marshall Health Network and Valley Health Services. The Huntington City Mission is not currently included in the collaborative partnership. Dr. Matt Weimer is the Valley Health President and CEO. 

“My organization will provide services, medical services, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, infectious disease services at the location, with partners,” Weimer said. “There will be access to tertiary care. There will be access to nonmedical services.”

The shelter will be located at 94 3rd Avenue West, in a former city public works building. Renovations have already begun. The mayor said he hopes it can be open in the very near future.