RCC considering $41K grant to RCCAA to help fund Pine Haven Shelter

BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – There has been a public outcry with the announcement that Pine Haven is set to close its doors on February 28.

So under consideration with the Raleigh County Commission is a $41,000 grant to Raleigh County Community Action Association to help fund the shelter.

“They’ve lost their state funding and are asking for help to get through the rest of this fiscal year,” said Commission President Greg Duckworth, adding they’re going to receive money from Beckley City and RCC for operations through the end of June.”

Duckworth says he’s not sure what number the city is entertaining. Mayor Ryan Neal told me funding the shelter’s utilities and maintenance is on the agenda, which the council will put to vote at their next meeting.

“Whether to try to help or not to get through to the next cycle, which would be July 1st,” the commissioner said. “I’m not sure what the future (holds for the shelter), but we’re just trying to get them through at least the tough part of the season.”

This is only a temporary solution. Gabriel Covington recently said that many unhoused advocates don’t want a bandaid. According to Duckworth, the county doesn’t typically provide this type of funding.

“It’s not a routine give or a routine ask. But a week ago it was three degrees in Beckley,” said the commissioner. “It only makes sense to help them keep the lights on — until they figure out what their state funding is going to be.”

These are not just single guys getting off a bus to stay at the shelter, Duckworth says. There are women with children.

“Family settings just trying to get on their feet,” he said. “And I think it’s our responsibility to help them along with that.”

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