How can we help?
Homelessness
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please dial 2-1-1 and contact a homeless service provider in your area.
- Dial 2-1-1. Press 6 for homeless services.
**If you are unable to get a response from 2-1-1 or receive a message that the service is not available from your location, you may go to: https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211 and enter your zip code to find the number for your local office. - Contact a homeless service provider
- Search justshelter.org to find community organizations working to preserve affordable housing, prevent eviction and reduce family homelessness
- Veterans:
Contact the VA medical center in West VA and mention your interest in Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) or find instructions for contacting the National Homeless Veteran Call Center here. You may also call the Veterans Affairs Emergency Housing Hotline for assistance at (877) 424-3838. - Seniors:
WV Bureau of Senior Services (State)
Call the Bureau of Senior Services toll-free at 1-877-987-3646 to discuss the various types of housing options available in West Virginia, or contact us through this website. Additionally, you may contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center or county aging provider (senior center) to find out what is available in your area. - Persons Experiencing Violence:
If you are in danger, please call 911 or a national hotline. HUD is not a direct service provider and does not provide individual counseling, crisis response, or legal services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and/or human trafficking.- National Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TYY: 1-800-787-3224
- Or text “START” to 88788
WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence (State) – A statewide non-profit organization comprised of the Coalition's Statewide Office and 14 licensed domestic violence programs. WVCADV is the only statewide network of domestic violence service providers and experts that provide specialized direct services for families, training, education, and policy development in West Virginia.
Phone: (304) 965-3552
Website: WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Persons with Disabilities
The West Virginia University (WVU) Center for Excellence in Disabilities has an extensive resource page at the below website:
WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities
Phone: (304) 293-4692
Website: Community Living Resources
Affordable Places to Live
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
- Speak to a HUD Approved Housing Counselor for advice on your specific housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Contact your Local Public Housing Authority to inquire about information about public housing programs (Housing Choice Vouchers HUD Facts, Public Housing).
Find a list of Public Housing Authority contacts in West Virginia or call (800) 955-2232 for help to find your local Public Housing Authority.
HUD Multifamily Housing
- To search for listings for Multifamily housing in West Virginia, scroll down to “Multifamily Property Listings with Assigned Account Executives” and click on “West Virginia” to find an updated list.
- Use the HUD Resource Locator to find affordable housing opportunities near you.
**Please note, the HUD Resource Locator does not show property vacancy. Please call the management company to inquire about vacancies, wait lists or the application process.- HUD does not have applications for these properties.
- HUD does not have information about the vacancies in these properties.
- HUD does not maintain waiting lists.
- Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties
A tax credit property is owned by a developer or landlord who participates in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program run by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF). These owners can claim tax credits for renting some or all units to low- or moderate- income tenants at restricted rent. LIHTC rents are not based on tenant’s income but instead set by the use restriction tied to the unit. Note: LIHTC owners accept Section 8 voucher tenants.
To be eligible for an affordable unit in a LIHTC property, you must make no more than the income limit for that unit. LIHTC rents are not based on your income, but instead is set by the use restrictions tied to the unit.
To get further information on LIHTC properties, contact:
West Virginia Housing Development Fund! | WVHDF
Phone: (304) 391-8600
Website: Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program - Find Affordable Housing in West Virginia
- USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Multifamily Housing programs helps property owners through loans and grants to rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers. USDA RD Multifamily Rental Assistance Program provides payments to owners of USDA-financed projects on behalf of low-income tenants unable to pay their full rent.- To search for Rural Development Multifamily Housing Rentals in West Virginia visit: MFH Rentals (USDA RD) County Selections
HUD has rental assistance and housing resources through the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.
- Public Housing provides decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities. HUD provides federal aid to local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) that manage public housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
- Eligibility: Public Housing is limited to low-income families and individuals. A Public Housing Authority determines eligibility based on 1) annual gross income, 2) whether you qualify as elderly, a person with disabilities or as a family, and 3) U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority.
Housing Choice Voucher (commonly known as Section 8)
- The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program assists low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe and sanitary housing in the private market. Housing assistance is provided through HUD on behalf of the family or individual, so participants can find their own housing. You can use an HCV to pay for all or part of the rent.
- Eligibility: A Public Housing Authority will determine eligibility for the housing choice voucher program based on the total annual gross income and family size, U.S. citizenship and specified categories of non-citizens who have eligible immigration status.
- To apply, contact your local Public Housing Authority. During the application process, a Public Housing Authority will collect information on family income, assets and family composition. The Public Housing Authority will use this information to determine program eligibility and the amount of the housing assistance payment.
Homeownership
- Learn more about homebuying from HUD's website or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287.
- Find the answer online
- Email us
- Call toll-free (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342)
TTY: Dial 7-1-1 (Not available in all areas)
- Use the HUD Home Store to find HUD homes for sale
- Find Information on my FHA loan
- Use the SMART Integrated Portal to make a request and begin the subordination process (see SMART FAQs & Resources)
- Contact a Secretary-Held Mortgage Servicing Contractor
- There are various federal loan programs and community-based programs to help with home repairs and improvements. Learn more about HUD’s Home Improvements programs.
- If you have more questions, contact the FHA Resource Center
Email: answers@hud.gov
Call: (800) 225-5342 - USDA Rural Development local office - housing repair and rehabilitation loans
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice on foreclosure. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or reach out to West Virginia HUD Approved Housing Counselor
- Don't lose your home! Here is some guidance on default and foreclosure prevention:
- Contact West Virginia Housing Development Fund at 1-800-933-1272 to discuss foreclosure prevention resources
- Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - assistance for veterans with delinquent mortgage loans
These agencies offer low-cost or no-cost legal assistance.
Legal Aid of WV
Phone: (866) 255-4370
Website: Legal Aid of WV or apply for help here
WV Senior Legal Aid
Phone: (800) 229-5068
Website: WV Senior Legal Aid
WV Attorney General
Phone: (304) 558-2021
Website: WV Attorney General or apply for help here
Report Housing Discrimination
* The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, or disability.
- Please visit the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Page
- File a complaint with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Office:
- Online
- Call: (800) 347-3739
Rent Relief & Eviction Resources
HUD supports many organizations that provide housing assistance and/or supportive services to people.
HUD is not a direct service provider. For direct assistance, please refer to the following resources:
Legal Aid of WV
Phone: (866) 255-4370
Website: Legal Aid of WV or apply for help here
WV Senior Legal Aid
Phone: (800) 229-5068
Website: WV Senior Legal Aid
WV Attorney General
Phone: (304) 558-2021
Website: WV Attorney General or apply for help here
- Review HUD’s Step-by-Step guide for people at risk of eviction
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor to help avoid eviction:
A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to help you prevent eviction. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or reach out to West Virginia HUD Approved Housing Counselor - Tenants Rights and Responsibilities
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor about becoming a homeowner. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you or reach out to West Virginia's HUD Approved Housing Counselor
- Utility Assistance/LIEAP
- Contact your local government office, find your local community service providers in your area
- Contact the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) Hotline at (800) 246-4221
Speak to a Housing Counselor
- Becoming a homeowner
- Foreclosure assistance
- Reverse mortgages
- Home improvements/repairs to my home
- Renting
Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs.
- Search online for a HUD Approved housing counselor near you or call (800) 569-4287, or reach out to West Virginia HUD Approved Housing
Housing Quality & Improved Living Conditions
- Resident Information
- REAC Real Estate Assessment Center
The programs and resources listed below help homeowners with home repairs and improvements.
Habitat for Humanity - through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
Habitat for Humanity ReStores - discounted used and surplus building materials
Veterans Affairs Regional Loan Center - loans and grants to qualifying veterans to adapt an existing dwelling to meet specific needs
USDA Rural Development Office - home improvement loans and grants to low-income homeowners in rural area
Programs by City/Town
Other Local Resources
Attorney General's Office of Consumer Protection - file a complaint against a licensed contractor
Find your local Better Business Bureau - check out West Virginia contractors before starting home repairs
Disaster Resources
- Immediately after a disaster, FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and other government agencies offer initial assistance. HUD then provides additional support for ongoing recovery through programs and partnerships.
- Register with FEMA online
- Register through FEMA's disaster app on your smartphone. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, you can go to www.fema.gov/mobile-app
- Call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are on duty.
- Reach out to your local Red Cross in West Virginia
- HUD Disaster Resources
- HUD Disaster Line: Call 1-800-304-9320 or email recovery@hud.gov
- Speak with a HUD Approved Housing Counselor. A HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agency can offer advice customized to your housing needs. Search online for a HUD Approved Housing Counselor near you by entering your zip code or call (800) 569-4287 OR, reach out to West Virginia's HUD Approved Housing Counselor.
My Local Office Information
For assistance at all times, we encourage you to utilize the self-help resources above.
If you are unable to have your questions answered from the resources above, please click on the Need More Help button below to contact your local office for further assistance.
Charleston Field Office
414 Summers St
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: (304) 347-7000
Fax: (202) 485-5639
Julie Alston, Field Office Director
⚠ In Distress? Reach Out for Help Now
At HUD, we know housing challenges often come with other struggles. You’re not alone. These resources can help with safe housing, emergencies, or connecting with someone who will listen.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. If you are feeling overwhelmed, facing mental health struggles, or emotional distress, free support is available any time:
- Call: 988
- Text: 988
- Chat: 988lifeline.org
Trained counselors are here to listen and help, 24/7.
Support for Domestic Violence Survivors. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available 24/7:
- Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Text: "Start" to 88788
- Visit: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Mental Health & Substance Use Support. The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline offers free and confidential support for mental health, drug or alcohol use, and recovery:
- Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- Text: Your ZIP code to 435748
- Visit: SAMHSA's National Helpline
Rental, Homelessness, and Eviction Help. Need help with housing challenges, like eviction, renting, foreclosure, or credit issues?
- Find a Housing Counselor: HUD's Housing Counseling Resources
- Call: 800-569-4287 (or 202-708-1455 for TTY) for multilingual assistance or disaster relief assistance.
- Visit: www.findhelp.org