Help in West Virginia
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 20 places in West Virginia, most of them in Charleston, Huntington and Dunbar, plus 12 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (10) and after treatment and in recovery (10).
West Virginia 211
Free information and referral line covering food, shelter, utility help, health care, and disaster needs anywhere in West Virginia. Dial 2-1-1, call the toll-free number if your phone uses Wi-Fi calling, or text your ZIP code.
Branches Domestic Violence Shelter
Domestic violence program in the Huntington region with an emergency shelter in Putnam County, safety planning, support groups, rapid rehousing, and the Safe Dates youth program. Call the help line to talk with an advocate; dial 911 if you are in immediate danger.
West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Statewide coalition that connects survivors to the licensed domestic violence program in their area and publishes safety-planning and legal resources. Call the office or use the program directory on the site to find local help; for immediate crisis support the coalition points callers to the National DV Hotline at 800-799-7233.
Legal Aid of West Virginia
Free civil legal help for low-income West Virginians, including housing, benefits, family safety, debt, expungement-related substance use disorder cases, and kinship care. Apply online or by calling the statewide helpline during intake hours.
YWCA Sojourner's Shelter for Homeless Women and Families
Emergency shelter in downtown Charleston for single women, families, and fathers with children, with a 24/7 cafeteria serving free meals, case management, counseling, and a job-readiness center open to any homeless adult. The shelter never closes; call the shelter line to ask about a bed.
YWCA Resolve Family Abuse Program
Licensed domestic violence program for Kanawha, Boone, and Clay counties offering a confidential 24/7 shelter, court advocacy, counseling, support groups, monitored child exchange, and safety planning. Reach an advocate any time by phone or through the website's live chat.
Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC)
Morgantown-based program serving Monongalia, Taylor, and Preston counties with a free, confidential 24-hour hotline, shelter, support groups, legal advocacy, and services for people escaping or recovering from human trafficking. The hotline and the Monongalia office share one number.
West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles – Driver's Licenses and ID Cards
Issues standard and REAL ID state identification cards and driver's licenses. Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of WV residency to a regional office, or begin online; the office gives a 60-day temporary card and mails the permanent one.
WV PATH – SNAP, Medicaid, and Assistance Applications
Online portal for applying for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, WVCHIP, LIEAP energy assistance, and the school clothing allowance; a paper SNAP application is also available in English and Spanish. The Customer Service Center answers application questions by phone.
West Virginia Vital Registration Office
State office that issues certified copies of West Virginia birth, death, and marriage certificates for a fee, by mail, online request, or at a walk-up counter in the Capitol Street lobby. Order through the certificate request page or visit during weekday hours.
National lines that work in West Virginia
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.