The temporary winter shelter for adults experiencing homelessness in Wheeling has opened in the grand ballroom of the Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) administrative building.
“This space has been used by our community over the past century honoring many special events,” said Beth Zarate, CCWVa President and Chief Executive Officer. “What a privilege it is now to provide warmth and shelter.”
The temporary shelter is designed to keep individuals warm during the upcoming winter. The winter shelter will operate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. through mid-March.
Operations will fall under the newly created nonprofit the LIFE HUB. The LIFE HUB was created as a nonprofit organization, a program of the Wheeling Housing Authority partnering with the City of Wheeling.
“We are grateful for all of the individuals, organizations, foundations and faith-based community that have supported the winter shelter efforts through financial and in-kind gifts over the last several years,” said John Moses, Winter Shelter Director. “We thank them for their continued support this year. The winter shelter would not happen without it.”
Donations are needed for the temporary winter shelter. Checks may be made out to the LIFE HUB and mailed to P.O. Box 2089; Wheeling, WV 26003.
Cash donations are used to purchase items such as work uniforms, scrubs, workstyle boots, shoes, and bus tokens. In addition to the cash donations, the most needed in-kind items include the following:
- Thermal undergarments-men and women sizes small to 5x
John Moses and Joyce Wolen fold sheets for the winter shelter at Catholic Charities - New boxer briefs-men and women sizes small to 5x
- Sports bras-sizes small to 5x
- Coats-men and women sizes small to 5x
- Hats
- Gloves
- Sweatshirt hoodies
- Rain ponchos
- Belts-All sizes
- Twin XL fitted and flat sheets, pillowcases, and blankets
- Hand and feet warmers
- Tampons and feminine hygiene products
In-kind donations are being accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wheeling Housing Authority’s main office building, located at 11 Community Street in Elm Grove.
Meals are being provided by the Catholic Neighborhood Center, the Soup Kitchen, and HoH-Share at their locations during hours of operation throughout the week. The groups are also providing snacks. Youth Services System, Street Moms, and partnering organizations are providing toiletries and supplies.
“We’ll continue to provide a day shelter at our Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center on 18th Street,” said Mark Phillips, CCWVa Chief Operating Officer. “We’re grateful to the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston for enabling us to open the doors of our administrative office to our neighbors in the evening.”
Other partners providing shelter this winter include Helping Heroes, which will coordinate shelter services for veterans. Families will be sheltered at partnering organizations or in hotel rooms when needed. Project Hope will make rounds and care for medical needs.
Questions may be directed to the following: Melissa Adams at 304-551-2118 or madams@wheelingwv.gov; John Moses at 304-215-8904 or johnmoses@comcast.net; Joyce Wolen at 304-639-8429 or joyce@wheelingwv-pha.org.
