Coalfield Community Action Partnership programs.
Operating across several counties, including Mingo, the Coalfield Community Action Partnership provides assistance to the less fortunate and poor. The agency helps with basic needs, such as food, as well as longer term support.
They use a combination of government grants or provide referrals to other charities in order to help clients. Another focus is on preventing evictions and homelessness, while trying to rehouse families. Last, but not least, case management is provided by Coalfield Community Action Agency.
Government grants for the low income in Mingo County
The Emergency Food and Shelter Program’s purpose is to help with basic needs, including shelter, food, and homeless prevention. It relies on government grants as well as public-private sector cooperation. The agency will provide funds to the neediest areas and towns of Mingo County, with a focus on housing and nutritional needs.
Other aid is from the Community Services Block Grant. This is the basis for Coalfield CAP’s designation as Mingo County’s community service agency. Working in partnership with the state, the West Virginia Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) administers CSBG grant monies to all non-profits in Boone or Kanawha. What is available in this county, based on funding, is below.
Emergency prescription medication is an option when no other payment or insurance options are available. Coalfield Community Action Partnership will provide financial assistance with obtaining medications of up to $150 per person. Applicants for any prescription drugs must show a physician’s verification that the medication is needed and that it is an emergency situation.
A clothing allowance of $100 per person, not to exceed $300 per household, is provided in times of crisis. It can be used to replace lost items, such as work attire, and is run in partnership with WV Department of Health and Human Resources.
Funds for heating and paying utility bills are part of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Coalfield CAP accepts, processes, and submits applications for this federal government and DHHR supported program during a specified period of time each year.
If donations or money for your needs is not available, then Information and Referral is provided by case managers. They offer linkage to other community service agencies, no interest loan programs and resources throughout the Coalfield CAP service area.
Housing is part of the SSVF - Supportive Services for Veterans’ Families resources. Government grants will help the low income and homeless that have served our country. It is a Department of Veterans Affairs-funded program that provides supportive services for veterans and their families.
Services are available for those who are currently residing in permanent housing but need help with paying back rent. There is also aid for the currently homeless but who need help in making arrangements to move into permanent housing within a specific time period. SSVF may have funds for a security deposit or first month’s rent expense too. There is also assistance for relocating in Mingo County or the state of West Virginia.
Coalfield CAP’s various assistance programs for Mingo County senior citizens are funded by the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services and the Metro Area Agency on Aging. The non-profit senior services include the following, with referrals also always available.
Several Centers are currently in operation in the Delbarton, Gilbert, Williamson and Matewan areas of the county. At these locations, staff will provide seniors and their spouses with an opportunity to enjoy hot nutritious meals in the dining rooms, and to socialize with one another and have some fun. The centers also have free health screenings, workshops on Medicaid, and advice on applying for other government benefits.
In accordance with the federal and state Older Americans Act Title III, the non-profit provides Home Delivered Meals in partnership with volunteers. Coalfield Community Action Partnership delivers hot, healthy meals to those in the areas of Williamson and Kermit who are homebound, disabled, elderly or unable to prepare meals.
In addition to receiving a good, hot and healthy meal, participants benefit from the social interaction from the phone check-ins or volunteer delivery drivers. They too are part of the program and as a result, staff check in with the client at various times during the week.
Head Start and Early Head version of it are components of a national early childhood development program. There are numerous educational and support services provided in counties such as Kanawha according to the unique needs of each child, with the goal of promoting and enhancing his or her physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
Children with disabilities from Mingo County are welcomed and are provided with a full array of services tailored to support their growth and development. All educational plans are created with local teachers and will be based upon the child’s level of development, in accordance with early childhood best practices.
The student also benefits from Coalfield Community Action Partnership Head Start’s health care program, which furnishes dental, medical, mental health, and nutritional services. Family development activities and parental support services are available to help parents in fulfilling their parental roles, and to assist in moving families toward achieving the goal of self-sufficiency.
Offered throughout Mingo County, Energy Express is a summer literacy program for both parents or students that provides benefits for all involved. Enrollees participate in a variety of activities oriented to reading, math, education, and more. Free take-home books and other educational material are provided for personal use when children are at home.
It is a key education service in the region. Energy Express is made possible through a partnership between the WVU Extension, Coalfield CAP, federal donations, and Mingo County BOE, as well as a host of non-profit partners throughout the area.
In collaboration with local schools as well as the West Virginia Department of Education's Office of Child Nutrition, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free family-style breakfasts and lunches for Energy Express enrollees. All children and teenagers are welcome to share in nutritionally balanced meals that meet all USDA guidelines. SFSP is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Coalfield CAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program is run in partnership with the West Virginia Office of Economic Opportunity. It provides free energy efficient alterations and repairs to the homes of income-eligible Mingo, Boone, Clay, and Kanawha County residents.
It is fully comprehensive, with a particular focus on senior citizens, the disabled and/or children. When enrolling, homes must be structurally sound to adapt to the work to be done. Additionally, for a family to be considered eligible for WAP services, their household income must be at or below 150% of the poverty guidelines that are in effect for that particular year.
A WAP weatherization crew from the community action agency, who are well trained, performs an energy audit and diagnostic testing for furnace repairs, damage to flues, carbon monoxide or gas leaks, chimneys, and/or vent pipes. The crews then follow up by determining what alterations need to be made and completing the necessary work, such as the repair or replacement of flooring, ceilings, windows, insulation of attic, walls, floors, water heater, ducts, and pipes, and hot water tank repairs.
Free income tax preparation, advice, and even filing is from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. Coalfield Community Action Partnership runs VITA, and it offers free tax preparation services to low to moderate-income people who are unable to prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers and well trained staff are trained and certified in preparing state and federal government basic tax returns, e-filing, and set-up for direct deposit of refunds.
The information above is only an example of what is offered. For more details or referrals, the Coalfield Community Action Partnership is located at 1626 W. 3rd Ave., Williamson, West Virginia 25661. Call the main office at 304-235-1701.
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