Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health Update: June 26, 2025

Elkins, WV – June 27, 2025: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health continues its partnership with community organizations in North Central West Virginia to address these challenges. While the City of Elkins does not provide social services directly, it is working with these local groups, often with limited staff and budgets, to generate long-term solutions—as highlighted in yesterday’s meeting.

Key Updates from Community Partners:

• Randolph County Family Resource Network (FRN): Served 300-plus citizens at its June food distribution (the next event August 28; volunteers are needed); Operating a Baby Pantry monthly (2nd Friday of the month) is revamping Goodwill Gift Card program; and is seeking trainers for its community education programs.
• Catholic Charities: Now providing aid for mothers with children under 3 (serving 8% of Randolph County) is has an urgent need for volunteers.
• Appalachian Community Health Center: Preparing for a July 19 Testimony Night event.
• United Way has placed donation totes in local banks; now planning a Day of Action in September (multiple volunteer shifts are available).
• Centers Against Violence: Currently distributing information about its “Growing Older Safely” program.
• WVU Medicine is expanding its Peer Recovery Support services (which it announced last year).
• Child Advocacy Center has created new position through WV First Foundation funding and recently earned its third accreditation.
• Jobs & Hope is continuing to seek second chance employers.
• WV Sober Living will establish a certified men’s halfway house in Morgantown (8 beds for justice-impacted individuals).
• Davis Medical Center’s Peer Recovery program has placed 3 individuals in recovery programs; it also requests backpack donations with hygiene supplies.

City-Led Initiatives:

• Building inspections confirm no asbestos at the property at 1091 Harrison Ave.; pest extermination treatments at the property are ongoing.
• Resource Coordination: The City is requesting a comprehensive list of services from all partner organizations; other organizations interested in assisting the Task Force can contact the City’s executive secretary.

Next Steps: 

The Task Force will hold its next meeting on Thursday, July 24, 1:00 p.m. at the Phil Gainer Community Center. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting and engage with participating organizations to volunteer or share their ideas.

About the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health:

Established in May 2021, this task force brings together local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health needs; it meets monthly in Elkins, WV. The Task Force strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to these challenges in North Central West Virigina—including identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities.