Marion County assistance programs

Marion County DHHR - This is the local county government organization that the needy and low income can contact for information on government assistance programs. Some of the services offered include Children's Health Ins. (CHIP); Emergency Crisis Assistance for expenses; Food Stamps; Financial Assistance; Prescription Assistance; Rental Assistance; and emergency help for eating and cooling bills. Fairmont. (304) 363-3261

The leading agency in Marion County is the North Central West Virginia Community Action Association. The numerous assistance programs offered to the working poor and low income include the following.

• Homeless Services and Prevention - In addition to running shelters, they continue to develop programs and services to try to prevent people from being evicted and losing their homes. These include low-income rental housing, permanent supportive housing, and case management to formally homeless individuals and families.
   
• Loans - The agency partners with banks, lenders, and government agencies to provide low interest rate loans to qualifying customers and homeowners to assist them in both the purchase and repair of housing. Customers of the loan programs are assessed for eligibility of the loan product and they will be assisted with application for low-interest loans for either home repair or home purchase. Read more on government backed loans.
   
• Weatherization Program - A federal government program that works to reduce the heating and cooling bills  for low-income families. It helps these individuals conserve energy. The program was particularly created for the elderly, low income, people with disabilities, and families with children across the county and West Virginia. Weatherization updates to homes reduce energy bills and heating costs through energy-efficient measures such as ductwork, insulating attics, sidewalls, water tanks, insulation, water lines, and performing air sealing measures.