Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa) has introduced a transitional housing program in Morgantown, expanding its services to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Jessica Thompson, the Grace Shelter Director at CCWVa, emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, “The need for transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness is significant.” She added that “Grace Transitional Housing extends the support Catholic Charities can offer to our neighbors in need. It provides a bridge from homelessness to permanent housing.”
This new program complements the existing Grace Shelter, a 19-bed emergency facility also located at Hazel’s House of Hope. Both initiatives are part of CCWVa’s commitment to aiding vulnerable populations in West Virginia. Thompson noted that these programs provide more than just shelter: “Beyond shelter, these programs offer hope, dignity and compassion.”
Grace Transitional Housing targets individuals aged 18 and older who are homeless. Five furnished apartments with utilities included are available at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue. This setup aims to help residents save money for future permanent housing deposits and rent.
Thompson explained the broader impact of such programs: “Affordable housing remains out of reach for millions of renters in the U.S. Transitional housing like what we will offer at Grace helps residents build a rental history, connect with supportive services to build financial literacy and improve their job prospects, and eventually secure permanent housing.”
The apartments feature carpet and vinyl flooring, with rent covering water, heat, air conditioning, electricity, sewerage, and trash services. The site offers one two-bedroom unit alongside four one-bedroom units. Applicants must submit an application along with proof of income to join the waiting list; leases last six months.
In West Virginia alone, over 1,000 people are currently homeless. In Region 1 of the state’s Continuum of Care—comprising Monongalia, Preston, Marion, Tucker, Doddridge, and Harrison Counties—more than 230 people were either unhoused or living in emergency shelters as of January 2025.
Hazel’s House of Hope also hosts several other CCWVa programs including Child Care Resource Center; WV Birth to Three; Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services; Emergency Financial Assistance program; and Grace Shelter.
For more information about these services or how to apply for transitional housing visit www.ccwva.org.
