MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The former Ramada Inn site in Morgantown, now the Hazel House of Hope, will also house a warming shelter this winter for those in need.
The City of Morgantown will one of a few community partners that will support the effort, according to city manager Kim Haws.
“We’re going to do what we can to bring entities together to help defer the cost of that but I will be presenting city council next meeting a request for city funds as to how we might be able to fund that,” Haws said.
Among the agencies helping are the Salvation Army, Bartlett House and the United Way of Mon and Preston counties. Additionally, the Monongalia County Commission will allocate $10,000 and the United Way will provide training for people working at the shelter.
“There will be an employee- a trained staff member there at all times,” Deputy Mayor Danielle Trumble said. “They’re also looking for volunteers who would be willing to assist in that.”
Sixth Ward representative Dave Harshbarger has worked on homeless issues throughout his time on council. Harshbarger is also working with other community partners to develop support and parameters for the operation.
“Under 40-degrees being able to provide that shelter opportunity and possibly for 105 days depending on the weather,” Harshbarger said.
The facility has the capacity to hold 17 people, but efforts are underway to expand. The facility will also have Mountain Line service seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Some people are concerned about the location of the cold weather shelter, but it is an excellent location at the Ramada Inn,” Selin said. “In fact, the Caritas House used to be the cold weather shelter which is also on Scott Avenue.”
Resident who would like to volunteer to help are asked to contact Janette Lewis with the United Way at janette@unitedwaympc.org or Trumble at dtrumble@morgantownwv.org.