As the federal government shutdown continues, congregations and ministries throughout the West Virginia Conference are extending assistance to furloughed federal workers.

Among those reaching out are many of our Conference Mission Projects, who have offered use of their food pantries, assistance services, and connections with other resources to furloughed federal employees. Project coordinators are also actively preparing to meet the needs of community members who may soon be losing SNAP benefits if disbursements are not restored in the next month.

Please be aware that financial donations will greatly help our Mission Projects continue to serve their communities. Information on all of our Mission Projects can be found at this link.

As of Thursday afternoon (Jan. 24), five of our Mission Projects have announced specific ways in which they are offering assistance:

House of the Carpenter, Wheeling (304.233.4640):

• Extended notification about food pantry availability
• Made additional purchases so that pantry is well stocked for those who might need assistance.
• Foresee an additional influx not only for those who have been furloughed because of government shut down, but because SNAP benefits for February have already been distributed and March benefits are in question and may not be distributed.
• Started a list on our Facebook page of other pantries, not only in the Wheeling area, but also outside the immediate area

Upshur Parish House, Buckhannon (304.472.0743):

• Will be open on Saturday, January 26, from Noon to 2 pm for Federal Employees only (Please bring Federal ID)
• Can assist with food and some other situationsScott’s Run St

Scott’s Run Settlement House, Osage (Morgantown area) (304.599.5020):

• Has received an extra 3,000 lbs of food through Mountaineer Food Bank to aid furloughed federal employees.

Heart and Hand House, Philippi (304.457.1295):

• Notified federal workers that the food pantry is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-4 p.m.
• Also may be able to help with other needs or connect people to other resources.
• Please bring federal ID and proof of residency in Barbour county (utility bill, etc., with current address).

Tyrand Cooperative Ministries, Mill Creek/Huttonsville area (304.335.2788):

• Extending food pantry availability to furloughed workers

NOTE: Continue to check back for additional services as information becomes available. Also, visit the individual Mission Project Facebook pages for up-to-the-minute updates.