Northern Panhandle Housing Authorities
to Share Nearly $3 Million in Federal Funds

Four housing authorities throughout West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle will share just under $3 million in federal funding that was announced last Friday by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV and Joe Manchin, D-WV
The money, distributed through the Senate Appropriations Committee, is part of the more than $17.6 million given out to 30 housing authorities throughout the Mountain State, helping ensure quality, affordable housing. The funding, according to a release from both senators Friday, will specifically support upgrading and modernizing public housing projects and assisting families transitioning from renting to home ownership.
The Wheeling Housing Authority will receive $1,548,515 in federal funds, the third-largest total distributed among the 30. The Charleston/Kanawha Housing Authority received $3,203,383, while the Housing Authority of the City of Huntington received $2,080,718.
Wheeling Housing Authority Executive Director Joyce Wolen said those funds came in at about the same level as they have for the last three years, and said that money is crucial to what the housing authority does for its properties and residents every year.
“It’s really critical,” she said. “It helps us maintain the infrastructure of the properties we have. What we do with that money is things like replacing all the windows in Garden Park Terrace. What that did was made the buildings more efficient, as well as repaired some of the issues that were happening there due to the age of the building.”
Wolen said those funds also go to projects like modernizing kitchens and bathrooms at the different sites.
“We’ll work on the roofs fo the buildings and plumbing,” she said, “the things that make the communities work.”
The Moundsville Housing Authority received $655,307, while the Benwood McMechen Housing Authority, which serves both communities, received $465,911. The Weirton Housing Authority received $275,860.
Manchin said that combatting homelessness in West Virginia remains a primary focus for him.
“Ensuring West Virginians have a roof over their head and a warm place to sleep at night continues to be one of my top priorities,” he siad. “Thousands of West Virginians and millions of Americans are currently experiencing homelessness, and we must work together to combat this devastating issue. I’m pleased HUD is investing more than $17.6 million to help ensure quality housing for all West Virginians and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding for our communities.”
Capito said making sure people have a roof over their heads boosts so many other aspects of their lives and puts them on a clearer path to success.
“I am happy to see HUD investing millions of dollars to assist West Virginians in all corners of the state with housing needs,” Capito said, “and I am confident that this funding will help enhance economic opportunity and improve the lives of so many. Having a place to live is critical to getting back on the path toward success, and I will continue working to ensure our communities have the resources they need to provide opportunity for all West Virginians.”