West Virginia State Laws, Policies and Funding
RH terminology used by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH) Recovery residences provide safe, healthy, and drug and alcohol-free living environments that support individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorder. The National Alliance of Recovery Residences (NARR) formed in 2011 to develop best-practice standards and ethical principles to guide recovery housing operations across the country. The West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR) is the state’s designated NARR affiliate. WVARR implements certification and grievance processes for local recovery residences, and supports the recovery residence community through advocacy, training, and data-collection. Due to recent legislation, West Virginia recovery residences will be required to become WVARR-certified in order to be eligible for state funding and referrals from state-funded agencies. West Virginia certification opened publicly in November 2020. The link to apply is posted on the WVARR website.
https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/programs/Pages/default.aspx
Accreditation, Certification, and State Licensing Requirement: NARR certification required for state funding.
RH Law(s): SB 1012 (2019) An act relating to regulation of recovery residences; providing voluntary certification procedures; providing voluntary inspection standards; providing requirements for the referral of persons; providing criminal penalties and fines; permitting rulemaking; requiring compliance with the Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act; and providing for the payment of state funds to recovery residences in certain circumstances.
Legislation: HB 3080 (2022) A bill to make the Bureau of Behavioral Health the certifying agency for recovery residences.
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_history.cfm?year=2022&sessiontype=RS&input=3080
HB 3080 (2021) A bill to make the Bureau of Behavioral Health the certifying agency for recovery residences.
Regulations: Article 62 – The Patient Brokering Act – W. Va. Code §16-62-1
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=16&art=62
SABG Program: The “Planned Priority Areas” documents for your state’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant (SABG) program and Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG) program specifically mention recovery housing as a priority, nor do they list recovery support services as an allowable activity. To learn more about specific recovery housing activities that are eligible for funding through these grant programs, please reach out to your state’s Single State Agency (SSA) that’s responsible for administering these funds by visiting https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/programs/Pages/default.aspx
SOR Program: Your state’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has previously funded recovery activities using State Opioid Response (SOR) funds. To learn more about specific recovery housing activities that are eligible for funding through this grant program, please reach out to your state’s Single State Agency (SSA) that’s responsible for administering these funds by visiting https://dhhr.wv.gov/office-of-drug-control-policy/programs/Pages/default.aspx
Medicaid Funding: Nothing in the state Medicaid plan suggests direct support for RH, however, certain covered activities could evolve to be provided in RH settings to include peer support, case management, counseling, skills training, and development.
https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Pages/Chapter-504-Substance-Use-Disorder-Services.aspx
https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/WaiverPrograms/SUDWaiver/Pages/default.aspx
NARR Affiliate Status: Yes, the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR) http://www.wvarr.org
Housing Assistance Funding: https://www.wvhdf.com/
Directory/Registry:
Certified Recovery Homeshttps://wvarr.org/recovery-housing-guide/residence-directory/
West Virginia Funders
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was formed in 1944. The Foundation was established by Michael and Sarah Benedum with wealth that Michael Benedum accumulated through his career in the oil and gas business.
Regions: The Benedum Foundation serves Southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia, with a specific focus on serving rural communities.
Issues Supported: The Benedum Foundation funds projects that support community development, economic development, education, health, and human services.
Grant Process and Application: The Benedum Foundation does not have application deadlines, and applications can be submitted throughout the year. Find out more information about the grantmaking process by visiting the Foundation’s website.
Grant-Making Per Year: Since its establishment, the Foundation has awarded over $500 million in grants. In 2019, the Foundation provided grants in the amount of $14 million.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Recovery Point offers phased treatment, from inpatient programs to transitional living. Recovery Point has locations throughout West Virginia, including Charleston, Bluefield, Huntington, and Parkersburg.
George W. Bowers Family Charitable Trust
The George W. Bowers Family Charitable Trust is based in Wheeling, West Virginia, and was established in 2001. The Trust’s mission is to support organizations dedicated to community improvement.
Regions: The Trust primarily funds the city of Mannington and rural Marion County in West Virginia. Examples of other rural counties funded include Harrison and Preston.
Issues Supported: The George W. Bowers Family Charitable Trust directs funding towards issue areas such as abuse prevention, basic needs, economic development, family services, and health care.
Grant Process and Application: The Trust requires an application form, and deadlines usually fall in May and June each year. Contact the Trust by phone at 304-234-9400 or by email at barnett@wesbanco.com for more information regarding the grant application process.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2020, the Trust provided grants in the amount of $324,702.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Clarksburg Mission is a grantee based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in rural Harrison County. The group offers life necessities and sober housing to individuals struggling with substance abuse.
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation is based in Charleston, West Virginia, and was established in 1962 by the citizens of the Greater Kanawha Valley area. The Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of the Greater Kanawha Valley residents.
Regions: The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation primarily serves Kanawha, Putnam, Lincoln (rural), Boone (rural), Clay (rural), and Fayette counties in West Virginia.
Issues Supported: The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation funds two major grantmaking initiatives: Proactive Collaborative Grants in Education, Health, and Civic Engagement and Community Building; and Responsive Grants in Basic Needs or Arts & Culture. The Foundation has a specific focus on funding abuse prevention, addiction services, and mental health support.
Grant Process and Application: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to first contact the program officer for the program of interest. Find out more about the grant-making process by visiting the Foundation’s website.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2020, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation provided grants in the amount of $14.4 million.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Rea of Hope is a grantee based in Charleston, West Virginia, that offers two 14-bed recovery homes for women. The housing programs offer supportive services including job training and counseling to help women struggling with substance use disorders to transition into society.
Lafon Family Foundation
The Lafon Family Foundation is based in Charleston, West Virginia.
Regions: The Lafon Family Foundation primarily serves West Virginia, with limited grant-making in other states such as Florida and Ohio. West Virginia areas of service include rural counties.
Issues Supported: Issue areas of interest include education, health, and youth development.
Grant Process and Application: Generally, there are no deadlines for applications. For more information regarding the application process, contact the Foundation by phone at 304-746-6101.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2020, the Foundation provided grants in the amount of $44,000.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Hero House is a grantee based in Madison, West Virginia, in rural Boone County. The Hero House offers sober living to residents recovering from substance use disorders.
Mutschelknaus Family Foundation
The Mutschelknaus Family Foundation was established in 2012 and is based in Salem, West Virginia.
Regions: The Foundation serves West Virginia, with a focus on rural Harrison County.
Issues Supported: The Mutschelknaus Family Foundation focuses grantmaking on human services, education, and religion.
Grant Process and Application: No application form is required. Contact the Foundation by phone at 304-782-2707 for more information on the grant application process.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2019, the Foundation provided grants in the amount of $421,026.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Clarksburg Mission is a grantee based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in rural Harrison County. The group offers life necessities and sober housing to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Pallottine Foundation of Huntington
The Pallottine Foundation of Huntington is a health conversion foundation based in Huntington, West Virginia, and was established in 2018 when Cabell Huntington Hospital bought St. Mary’s Medical Center. The Pallottine Foundation of Huntington is driven by the mission of the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, who came from Germany and dedicated their lives to serving rural West Virginia communities.
Regions: The Foundation has a large rural service area and supports Boone (rural), Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln (rural), Logan (rural), Mason (rural), Mingo (rural), Putnam, and Wayne Counties in West Virginia; Boyd, Carter (rural), Floyd (rural), Greenup, Johnson (rural), Lawrence (Lawrence), Martin, and Pike (rural) Counties in Kentucky; and Gallia (rural), Lawrence, and Scioto (rural) Counties in Ohio.
Issues Supported: Health and wellness is the primary giving focus of the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington, including both physical and mental health. Examples of funding interests include early childhood services, chronic disease management, mental health services, nutrition, obesity prevention, and oral healthcare.
Grant Process and Application: Grant application deadlines may vary depending on the funding program. Visit the Foundation website for more information about the grant application process.
Grant-Making Per Year: In FY 2020, the Pallottine Foundation of Huntington provided grants in the amount of $2.6 million.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Recovery Group of Southern West Virginia is a grantee based in Logan, West Virginia, in rural Logan County. The organization offers a men’s recovery residence and women’s recovery residence, with each offering a 16-bed home. The housing facilities provide life skills services, including job training, literacy courses, GED courses, and other training opportunities.
The Paul and Carol Cole Foundation
The Paul and Carol Cole Foundation is based in Bluefield, West Virginia, and was established in 1996. This funder is a family foundation with support from four family companies: Cole Automotive Group, Cole Harley-Davidson, Cole Truck Parts, and Jelec Financial.
Regions: The Foundation primarily serves the state of West Virginia, with more limited grant-making in Virginia. The Foundation is located in rural Mercer County and grant-making is focused on this county.
Issues Supported: Human services are the key funding focus for the Paul and Carol Cole Foundation, with specific issue areas including education, family services, legal services, residential care, and youth development.
Grant Process and Application: There are no application deadlines, and the foundation accepts project proposals. Contact William P. Cole Jr. at 304-325-8116 for information about the grant application process.
Grant-Making Per Year: In FY 2019, the Foundation provided grants in the amount of $23,750.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Mercer County Fellowship Home is a grantee in Bluefield, West Virginia, in rural Mercer County. The Fellowship Home offers recovery housing and transitional living skills for men struggling with substance use disorder.
P.G. and Ruby Hollandsworth Memorial Trust
The P.G. and Ruby Hollandsworth Memorial Trust was established in 2009 and is based in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Regions: The Trust supports West Virginia communities. Examples of rural areas served include Barbour County and Harrison County.
Issues Supported: The Trust’s grant-making supports educational attainment, human services, LGBTQ rights, and youth development.
Grant Process and Application: The grant process requires an application form. Application deadlines are usually between March and May each year. Contact the Trust by phone at 304-677-8455 for more information.
Grant-Making Per Year:
In 2019, the Trust provided grants in the amount of $209,250.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Clarksburg Mission is a grantee based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in rural Harrison County. The group offers life necessities and sober housing to individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
Sisters Health Foundation
The Sisters Health Foundation is based in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and was founded in 1996 when St. Joseph’s Hospital created a partnership with Columbia HCA. The Foundation envisions healthy communities and supports initiatives that improve health and well-being.
Regions: The Sisters Health Foundation prioritizes projects serving the largely rural Mid-Ohio Valley in West Virginia and Ohio.
Issues Supported: The Sisters Health Foundation supports initiatives that address active living, addiction, mental health, and nutrition.
Grant Process and Application: Deadlines for grant applications are usually in mid-January and mid-July. Grant applications can be completed through the Foundation’s online application system.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2020, the Sisters Health Foundation provided grants in the amount of $1.2 million. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded over $20.6 million in grants.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Hope House is a grantee located in Ravenswood, West Virginia, in rural Jackson County. The Hope House provides sober living to individuals recovering from substance use disorder. The Hope Recovery Manor is another grantee in Parkersburg, West Virginia, in partially rural Wood County. The Hope Recovery Manor provides recovery housing for women and provides services to help women maintain sobriety, obtain employment, and develop life skills.
Strong-Treister Family Foundation
The Strong-Treister Family Foundation was established in 1997 and is based in Charleston, West Virginia.
Regions: The Strong-Treister Family Foundation funds organizations in West Virginia, particularly in the Charleston area.
Issues Supported: The Foundation’s grantmaking supports education, family services, medical care, rehabilitation, and youth development.
Grant Process and Application: The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Contact the Foundation by phone at 304-346-9617 for more information.
Grant-Making Per Year: In FY 2020, the Foundation provided grants in the amount of $163,000.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: Clarksburg Mission is a grantee based in Clarksburg, West Virginia, in rural Harrison County. The group offers life necessities and sober housing to individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
United Way of Southern West Virginia
United Way of Southern West Virginia is based in Beckley, West Virginia. United Way of Southern West Virginia’s mission is to support strong and resilient communities.
Regions: United Way of Southern West Virginia serves Fayette and Raleigh counties and the rural counties of McDowell, Mercer, Nicholas, Summers, and Wyoming in West Virginia.
Issues Supported: United Way of Southern West Virginia supports projects addressing the key issue areas of health, education, and financial stability. More specific areas of focus include mental health, substance use disorders, food insecurity, literacy, educational attainment, and employment support.
Grant Process and Application: The grant-making process has an annual cycle, with the application deadline falling in May each year. Visit the United Way of Southern West Virginia website to find out more information about applying for grants.
Grant-Making Per Year: In 2019, United Way of Southern West Virginia provided grants in the amount of $344,139.
Recovery and Supportive Housing Grantee Example: The Mercer County Fellowship Home (MCFH) is a grantee located in Bluefield, West Virginia, in rural Mercer County. MCFH offers a sober transitional living facility for men struggling with substance use disorders and provides counseling and education guidance to facilitate independent living.
West Virginia Opioid Settlement Funds
West Virginia is not participating in the national opioid settlement and instead chose to pursue legal action independently.
How About Your County?
To get a quick overview of the resources available in your county, including gaps that may need to be addressed, visit the Recovery Ecosystem Index Map developed through a partnership between the Fletcher Group Rural Center of Excellence, the NORC Walsh Center at the University of Chicago, and East Tennessee State University.
Need More Info?
A year in the making by a staff of ten, the Fletcher Group’s 82-page Recovery Housing Landscape Report provides an in-depth overview of the most recent laws, policies, and funding affecting recovery housing. You’ll find sections devoted to state laws, SAMHSA funding, Medicaid, corrections, and housing assistance plus numerous links to valuable resources and official documents. To see the complete downloadable report, click the image to the left.
This web page is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $13.7 million with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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