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.
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.
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.
WV Bureau for Social Services – Foster Care Services
The state child welfare bureau responsible for foster care, including services to young people in and leaving state custody. Youth and former foster youth with questions about their case, benefits, or transition supports can call the central office or locate their county DoHS field office.
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.