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For West Virginia renters facing financial hardship, securing rent relief and housing assistance is a critical step toward stability. While major statewide programs have changed, a network of federal, state, and local support remains available to help prevent eviction and ensure access to safe, affordable housing.
Navigating these resources requires understanding which programs address immediate crises and which offer long-term solutions. It is also vital to know the local agencies that serve as the primary points of contact for assistance in your county.
Understanding the current landscape of available aid is the first step. The primary COVID-19 era rental assistance program has concluded, shifting the focus to a more diverse set of ongoing state and local resources.
Status of the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP)
It is essential for residents to know that the application portal for the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP) is now closed to all new applicants. This program, administered by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), was a significant source of aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing funds for rent, utilities, and other housing-related costs.
For individuals who previously submitted an application, those with a status of "pending landlord review," "pending tenant review," or "submitted" will continue to be processed by the WVHDF. Applicants should monitor their email for status updates. Any questions can be directed through the notes section of the online portal.
Immediate Steps for an Eviction Notice
If you have received an eviction notice from your landlord, time is of the essence. The most critical first step is to seek legal counsel to understand and protect your rights as a tenant. The WVHDF explicitly directs tenants facing eviction to contact Legal Aid of West Virginia (LAWV).
LAWV is the state's primary provider of free civil legal assistance to low-income residents and can offer invaluable guidance on the eviction process. After contacting legal counsel, proceed immediately to the resources outlined in the following section on emergency financial assistance.
For households facing an imminent threat of eviction or utility disconnection, several programs are designed to provide short-term, emergency financial intervention. These programs are focused on resolving an immediate crisis.
WV Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) Emergency Assistance Program
The West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA) administers the Emergency Assistance Program to provide short-term financial aid to families facing a crisis that threatens their health or safety.
Eligible households can receive help with essential needs, including:
A key limitation is that assistance can only be authorized for one 30-day period within any 12-month span. To apply, you must contact your local Department of Human Services (DoHS) county office.
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program
The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is a federal program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps people regain stability after a housing crisis. Individuals do not apply directly to HUD for this grant.
Instead, HUD provides these funds to state and local governments, which then distribute them to non-profit organizations in local communities. These local agencies use ESG funds for activities such as:
Beyond immediate crisis intervention, several federal programs offer long-term rental subsidies to make housing affordable on an ongoing basis. These programs are administered locally and often have significant wait times.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe housing in the private market. A participant with a voucher is free to find their own housing, as long as it meets program requirements.
Under this program, a participant generally pays 30% of their monthly adjusted income for rent and utilities. The voucher subsidy covers the remainder of the rent up to a certain limit. The program is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Due to high demand, PHAs often use waiting lists, and applications may only be accepted during specific "open enrollment" periods.
Public Housing
Public Housing provides affordable rental housing in units owned and managed directly by a local PHA. These developments are for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Rent is also typically based on 30% of a resident's monthly adjusted income. Like the Section 8 program, applications are managed by local PHAs, and waitlists are common.
Other Affordable Housing Options (LIHTC)
The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program is a federal subsidy used to finance the construction and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing. Private landlords receive tax credits for renting a certain number of units to low-income tenants at a restricted, below-market rent.
Unlike Section 8, the rent for an LIHTC unit is not based on the tenant's income. Instead, the rent is capped at a fixed amount based on the area's median income. The West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) oversees the LIHTC program and can provide information on locating these properties.
While state and federal bodies fund many programs, the direct delivery of services most often happens at the local level. Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are non-profit organizations throughout West Virginia that serve as crucial front-line providers. They operate a wide range of anti-poverty programs and are often the organizations that administer funds from sources like the Emergency Solutions Grant.
| Agency Name | Counties Served | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central West Virginia Community Action, Inc. | Harrison, Lewis | (304) 622-8495 | centralwvaction.org |
| CHANGE, Inc. | Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio | (304) 797-7733 | changeinc.org |
| Coalfield Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Mingo | (304) 235-1701 | [N/A] |
| Community Action of South Eastern WV (CASE WV) | Mercer, Monroe, Summers | (304) 342-0450 | case-wv.org |
| Community Resources, Inc. | Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood | (304) 485-5525 | cricap.org |
| Council of the Southern Mountains | McDowell | (304) 436-6800 | [N/A] |
| Eastern WV Community Action Agency, Inc. | Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Morgan, Pendleton | (304) 538-7711 | [N/A] |
| EnAct Community Action | Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Putnam | (304) 414-4475 | enactwv.org |
| Mountain CAP of West Virginia, Inc. | Braxton, Upshur, Webster | (304) 472-1500 | mountaincapwv.org |
| Mountain Heart Community Services, Inc. | Wyoming | (304) 682-8271 | [N/A] |
| Nicholas Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Nicholas | (304) 872-1162 | ncapwv.org |
| North Central WV Community Action, Inc. | Barbour, Greenbrier, Marion, Monongalia, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker | (304) 363-2170 | ncwvcaacorp.net |
| PRIDE Community Services, Inc. | Logan | (304) 752-6868 | loganpride.com |
| Raleigh County Community Action Association, Inc. | Raleigh | (304) 237-6410 | [N/A] |
| Southwestern Community Action Council, Inc. | Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Wayne | (304) 525-5151 | scacwv.org |
| Telamon Corporation | Berkeley, Jefferson | (304) 263-0916 | telamon.org |
Understanding your legal rights as a tenant is a powerful form of eviction prevention. Several organizations offer free resources to help you navigate landlord-tenant disputes, understand your lease, and respond to eviction threats.
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Legal Aid of West Virginia (LAWV) is the state's primary provider of free civil legal services for low-income individuals and families. Their services are not limited to active eviction cases and can help with a wide range of housing issues, including:
You can apply for assistance online through their website or by calling their statewide helpline at (866) 255-4370.
HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are independent organizations that provide free or low-cost advice on a variety of housing-related topics. Certified counselors can offer expert guidance on:
You can find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency near you by searching online through the HUD website or by calling (800) 569-4287.
Public Housing Authorities are the local administrative bodies for federal housing programs like Section 8 and Public Housing. To apply for these long-term assistance programs, you must contact the PHA that has jurisdiction over your area.
| Authority Name | Jurisdiction (Counties/Cities) | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston-Kanawha Housing Authority | Kanawha, Clay, Putnam | (304) 348-6451 | ckha.com |
| Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Authority | Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor | (304) 363-0860 | fmhousing.com |
| Huntington West Virginia Housing Authority | City of Huntington | (304) 526-4400 | huntingtonhousing.com |
| Randolph County Housing Authority | Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Lewis, Upshur, Pendleton | (304) 636-6495 | rchawv.org |
| Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless* | Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel | (304) 232-6105 | wheelinghomeless.org |
(Note: The Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless acts as a key service provider and Continuum of Care lead, connecting residents to various housing programs in its jurisdiction.)
While the closure of the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program has changed the landscape of rent relief, a robust network of support remains. Success depends on directing your efforts to the right agency for your specific need.
Use the following checklist to guide your actions:
No, the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP), which was the primary COVID-19 fund, is permanently closed to new applications. Residents seeking rent relief must now turn to other ongoing state and local programs for emergency housing assistance and support.
For immediate rent help, your first step should be contacting your county's Community Action Agency. These local organizations often manage emergency funds for housing crises. You can also apply for the state's Emergency Assistance program through your local DHHR office for short-term financial aid to prevent eviction.
While requirements vary by program, you will generally need a photo ID for all adult household members, proof of income (such as pay stubs), a copy of your signed lease agreement, and an eviction notice or a statement showing you are past due on rent.
Eligibility for West Virginia rent relief typically depends on your household income, often requiring it to be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). You must also demonstrate a risk of housing instability or homelessness. Each program has unique criteria, so always confirm with the administering agency.
Yes, many programs that provide rent relief also offer assistance for past-due utility bills. Community Action Agencies and the state’s Emergency Assistance program can frequently help cover essential utilities like electricity, water, and gas to prevent service disconnection while addressing your housing needs.
If you have received an eviction notice, contact Legal Aid of West Virginia immediately for free legal counsel. They can help you understand your rights as a tenant and may be able to challenge the eviction or negotiate with your landlord, providing critical support during a stressful time.
For long-term assistance, you can apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program through your local Public Housing Authority. This federal program provides a monthly rent subsidy for low-income families. Be aware that waiting lists for this type of rent relief are common due to high demand.
To apply for the Emergency Assistance program, you must contact your local West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office. A caseworker will evaluate your specific situation to determine if your housing crisis qualifies for this one-time financial aid, a key source of state-level rent relief.
Seniors needing housing assistance in West Virginia can access all standard rent relief programs, and some agencies may have dedicated funds. Additionally, Public Housing Authorities often manage apartment buildings designated for elderly residents, which offer safe, affordable, and subsidized rent based on income.
Yes, veterans at risk of homelessness can seek help through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. This federal initiative provides case management and financial aid for rent, utilities, and deposits. Contact your local VA medical center or a Community Action Agency for a referral.
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