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).
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.
Refugee Resettlement & Immigration Services
West Virginia's refugee resettlement program, serving refugees, asylees, SIV holders, trafficking victims, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees with housing placement, benefits referrals, ID documents, ESOL enrollment, and job preparation, plus low-cost immigration legal filings for residents statewide. Call or email the program contact to get started.
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.