Housing Assistance for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Complete Housing Assistance Guide for Single Mothers in West Virginia

Last updated: August 2025

Information verified with current program data as of August 12, 2025

Main Points

Emergency rental assistance is available through Emergency Solutions Grant providers across all 55 West Virginia counties
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) help pay up to 70% of rent, with 13 waiting lists currently open as of May 2025
USDA rural home loans offer 5.125% interest rates with no down payment for eligible rural areas
LIEAP utility assistance provides up to $866 for cooling and $1,000 for heating bills
Income limits vary by county – most programs serve families earning 30-80% of area median income
Multiple programs can be combined for maximum assistance

If You Need Help Today

Facing eviction or homeless? Call 2-1-1 immediately for emergency assistance or contact your county’s Emergency Solutions Grant provider.

Can’t pay utilities? Contact Dollar Energy Fund’s West Virginia Utility Assistance Program for emergency utility help or call 1-800-642-8589 for LIEAP assistance.

Need rent help now? Apply through Emergency Solutions Grant providers – they serve all West Virginia counties and provide rapid rehousing assistance.

In danger? WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence: (304) 965-3552 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233

Emergency Housing Assistance

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

The Emergency Solutions Grant program provides any individual experiencing homelessness with emergency shelter and essential supportive services as well as homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing. The program is administered by West Virginia Community Advancement and Development (WVCAD) and provides funding to agencies throughout all 55 counties in the state.

What it covers:

Up to 6 months of rental assistance for families at risk of homelessness
Security deposits and first month’s rent for new housing
Utility deposits and payments
Moving costs and temporary storage
Case management and supportive services
Emergency shelter services

Income requirements: Primarily serves households at or below 30% of Area Median Income, with priority for extremely low-income families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

How to apply: Contact your county’s ESG provider through the interactive map on WVCAD’s website. Each county has designated agencies that handle applications and provide services.

Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 1-3 weeks, depending on funding availability and service provider capacity.

Reality check: ESG is by no means a “hand out”, but instead a “hand up” in providing housing and supportive services with hopes that the end result is self-sustainability with no return to homelessness. However, funding is limited and distributed based on availability.

Harmony House (Huntington Area)

Harmony House is an organization seeking to end homelessness in the Huntington area through permanent housing and supportive service programs. Their Vanity Fair program encompasses 53 efficiency apartments designated for individuals transitioning from homelessness.

Services include:

Multi-purpose day shelter services
Access to shower, laundry, mail and telephone service
Computer and internet access
Case management and referrals
Jobs First employment program
Medical and vision screenings

Contact: (304) 523-2764 Address: 627 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center

The Roark-Sullivan Lifeway Center helps families and individuals facing homelessness by providing access to housing, employment, and job skills training. Their Twin Cities Center offers 16 beds specifically for women with mental illness who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Long-Term Housing Programs

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher program is West Virginia’s largest rental assistance program. Applicants must earn at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and families typically pay 30% of their income toward rent, with the voucher covering the remainder up to Fair Market Rent limits.

Current Waiting List Status (2025)

As of May 2025, West Virginia currently has 13 Section 8 Waiting Lists whose status is OPEN. There are 34 housing authorities with voucher programs serving about 187,952 renter households in West Virginia.

Open Waiting Lists Include:

Randolph County Housing Authority (Applications accepted Thursdays 9 AM-12 PM)
Wheeling Housing Authority (Currently open)
Multiple smaller housing authorities across the state

Income Eligibility (2025)

Source: HUD Income Limits 2025

Family Size	Very Low Income (50% AMI)	Extremely Low Income (30% AMI)
1 person	$26,400	$15,840
2 people	$30,150	$18,090
3 people	$33,900	$20,340
4 people	$37,650	$22,590

Note: Income limits vary by county and metropolitan area. These figures represent statewide averages. Check with your local housing authority for exact limits in your area.

Priority groups:

Families experiencing homelessness
Families with disabilities
Elderly households
Families paying more than 50% of income for rent

Application process:

Check open waiting lists for current availability
Contact your local housing authority when lists are open
Provide income verification, ID, Social Security cards, and rental history
Complete eligibility interview and background check
Wait for voucher availability (typically 6-24 months)
Attend voucher briefing session
Find qualifying rental unit within 60-120 days
Pass housing quality standards inspection before move-in

Reality check: Section 8 HCV waiting lists in West Virginia were kept open an average of 1,031 days over the last three years. Wait times vary significantly by location, with rural areas typically having shorter waits than urban areas like Charleston or Huntington.

USDA Rural Housing Programs

Section 502 Direct Loans

This program assists low- and very-low-income applicants obtain decent, safe and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. Effective August 1, 2025, the current interest rate for Single Family Housing Direct home loans is 5.125% for low-income and very low-income borrowers.

Key benefits:

No down payment typically required
Interest rate when modified by payment assistance, can be as low as 1%
Up to 33 year payback period – 38 year payback period for very low income applicants who can’t afford the 33 year loan term
Payment assistance subsidy available based on adjusted family income

Eligibility requirements:

Adjusted income at or below low-income limits for the area
Unable to obtain conventional financing on reasonable terms
Property must be in USDA-eligible rural area
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Demonstrate willingness and ability to repay debt

How to apply: Contact your regional USDA Rural Development office. Processing times vary by funding availability.

Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants

This program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

Available assistance:

Loans: Up to $40,000 at 1% interest for 20 years
Grants: Up to $10,000 lifetime limit (must be 62+ years old)
Combined assistance: Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance or $55,000 in presidentially declared disaster areas

Utility Assistance Programs

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP provides assistance to West Virginia households with heating and cooling costs. The program has income eligibility at 60% State Median Income, with households of six or more at 150% Federal Poverty Level.

Benefits Available (FY2025)

LIEAP FY 2025 Benefits: Heating: $1 minimum, $1,000 maximum; Cooling: $1 minimum, $866 maximum; Winter Crisis: $2,000 maximum; Weatherization: $12,000 maximum

Benefit Type	Amount Range	Application Period
Regular Heating	$1 – $1,000	November 1 – November 30
Cooling	$1 – $866	December 1 – September 30
Winter Crisis	Up to $2,000	January 1 – March 16
Weatherization	Up to $12,000	Year-round

Processing time: Typically 2-3 weeks after complete application submission.

Required documents:

Photo ID for utility account holder
Social Security cards for all household members
Recent utility bills or disconnect notices
Proof of income for all household members 18+

How to apply: Contact 1-800-642-8589 or apply online through local Community Action Agencies.

20% Utility Discount Program

All gas and electric utilities offer a reduced rate of 20% from November – March. Eligible customers must receive either SSI, WV WORKS, or Food Stamps AND be 60 years of age or older.

Homeownership Programs

West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) Programs

The Homeownership Program makes homeownership more affordable for West Virginians. Primarily targeting first-time home buyers, the Homeownership Program generally offers our lowest interest rates and is compatible with the Low Down Home Loan, offering down payment and/or closing cost assistance.

Available programs:

Homeownership Program: Fixed-rate loans financing up to 100% of purchase price
Low Down Home Loan: Up to $8,000 in down payment assistance when loan-to-value is at or above 80%
Income and price limits: Updated limits effective June 4, 2025, vary by county and household size

Eligible properties:

Single-family structures
Townhomes and approved Planned Unit Developments
Condominiums
New double-wide manufactured homes

Affordable Housing Fund

The Legislature created the Affordable Housing Fund in 2001 to provide funding for technical assistance and housing assistance to non-profits and government entities. The fund receives a $20 transfer fee from residential real estate transfers.

Program status: The 2025 RFP window closed May 30, 2025, at 4:00PM. We anticipate the next release in early 2026.

Specialized Housing Resources

Transitional Housing Programs

Our House (Charleston Area)

Our House operates emergency and transitional housing programs in the Charleston area, providing:

Emergency shelter services
Transitional family housing
Apartment-style housing for families with children
Case management and supportive services

Women’s Resource Center (Lewisburg)

Provides transitional housing specifically for women and children fleeing domestic violence, including:

Safe transitional housing for up to 18 months
Case management and advocacy services
Children’s programs and support services

Domestic Violence Housing

WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence

24/7 Hotline: (304) 965-3552

The WV Coalition Against Domestic Violence is a statewide non-profit organization comprised of 14 licensed domestic violence programs that provide specialized direct services for families, training, education, and policy development.

Safe housing options include:

Emergency shelter placement
Transitional housing programs
Rapid rehousing assistance
Safety planning and legal advocacy

Inclusive Housing Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

While West Virginia has limited LGBTQ+-specific housing programs, resources include:

State-level support:

Fairness West Virginia: Advocacy and resource referrals
Contact 2-1-1 and specifically request LGBTQ+-affirming housing providers
All federal housing programs are required to serve LGBTQ+ families without discrimination

National resources:

National LGBTQ Task Force: Housing discrimination information and legal resources
SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders): Senior housing resources and support

Tribal-Specific Resources

West Virginia does not have federally recognized tribes, but Native American families may access:

Federal programs:

HUD Indian Housing Programs: Available to enrolled tribal members nationwide
Native American Housing Assistance: Contact HUD’s Office of Native American Programs at (800) 955-2232
USDA Rural Development programs serve Native American families in rural areas

Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access

Rural families face unique challenges including limited transportation and fewer service providers.

Specialized resources:

USDA Rural Development programs offer the most comprehensive assistance
Rural Community Action Agencies provide outreach services to remote areas
Mobile service delivery available in some counties
Telehealth and virtual support services for case management

Transportation assistance:

Contact local Community Action Agencies for transportation vouchers
Some agencies provide gas cards for essential appointments
Public transportation is extremely limited in rural areas

Single Fathers

Single fathers can access all the same housing assistance programs described in this guide:

All programs are available regardless of gender, including Section 8, ESG, USDA loans, and utility assistance Additional support resources:

WV Fatherhood Coalition: Support groups and resources
Contact local Community Action Agencies for father-specific support groups

Resources by Region

Charleston Metro Area

Kanawha Valley Community Action

Emergency rental assistance
LIEAP utility assistance
Weatherization programs
Phone: (304) 925-0028

Charleston Housing Authority

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Public housing units
Address: 1503 Washington Street East, Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: (304) 345-4704

Huntington/Cabell County

Harmony House

Emergency shelter and day services
Transitional housing (Vanity Fair apartments)
Jobs First employment program
Phone: (304) 523-2764

Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless

Emergency housing assistance
Case management services
Supportive services coordination

Eastern Panhandle (Martinsburg/Jefferson County)

Jefferson County Leasing Program

Permanent housing with case management
Connections to community resources
Serves homeless families and individuals
Website: jcda.net

Northern Panhandle (Wheeling/Ohio County)

Wheeling Housing Authority

Section 8 voucher program (waiting list currently open)
Public housing units
Phone: (304) 242-9412

Greater Wheeling Coalition for the Homeless

Temporary shelter services
Long-term housing solutions
Case management and supportive services

Rural Counties

Multi-County Service Agencies:

Randolph County Housing Authority

Serves Barbour, Lewis, Pendleton, Randolph, Tucker, and Upshur Counties
Section 8 applications: Thursdays 9 AM-12 PM
Phone: (304) 636-6495

Community Action Agencies serving rural areas:

Provide LIEAP assistance
Emergency rental help
Weatherization services
Transportation assistance

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

How long will I wait for Section 8 in West Virginia?

Section 8 HCV waiting lists in West Virginia were kept open an average of 1,031 days over the last three years. Wait times vary significantly:

Rural areas: 6-18 months typically
Urban areas (Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown): 18-36 months
Statewide average: 12-24 months

Many housing authorities close waiting lists when they become too long. Priority is given to families experiencing homelessness, elderly, and disabled households.

Can I work and still get housing help?

Yes! Most programs have income limits rather than requiring unemployment. For example, a single mother with two children can typically earn up to about $33,900 annually (50% AMI) and still qualify for very low-income housing programs. Some programs serve families earning up to 80% AMI.

What if my landlord won’t take Section 8?

West Virginia does not have source of income discrimination laws, so landlords can legally refuse Section 8 vouchers. However:

Contact your housing authority for lists of participating landlords
Use online tools to find Section 8-friendly properties
Some housing authorities offer landlord incentive programs
Consider expanding your search area within your county

Can I combine different programs?

Yes, you can often layer assistance programs. For example:

Use LIEAP for utility bills
Receive Section 8 for rent assistance
Apply for emergency rental assistance through ESG
Get food assistance through SNAP Each program has its own eligibility requirements.

What if I have bad credit or past evictions?

Many emergency assistance programs don’t check credit, especially ESG and utility assistance. For Section 8:

Housing authorities may consider negative history but often allow explanations
Focus on demonstrating changed circumstances
Some authorities offer programs to help repair rental history
Bad credit doesn’t automatically disqualify you

How do I document irregular income from multiple jobs?

Keep detailed records of all work:

Get written statements from all employers
Save check stubs or cash payment records
Document seasonal or temporary work
Your local housing counselor can help organize income documentation
Community Action Agencies can assist with income verification

What if I’m not documented?

Most federal programs (Section 8, USDA loans) require legal immigration status. However:

Emergency assistance through Community Action Agencies may be available
ESG providers can sometimes help regardless of status
Local faith-based organizations may offer assistance
Contact 2-1-1 for guidance on available options

Can I move from another state with Section 8?

Yes, Section 8 vouchers are “portable.” To transfer:

Notify your current housing authority of your plans
Find housing in West Virginia that passes inspection
Your new housing authority will handle the transfer process
You may need to establish residence before transferring

What happens if my income increases?

Programs handle income increases differently:

Section 8: Annual reviews adjust your payment portion
USDA loans: Payment assistance gradually decreases as income rises
Emergency programs: One-time assistance typically not affected by future income Income increases are positive steps toward self-sufficiency.

How do I appeal if I’m denied assistance?

Every program has an appeals process:

You’ll receive written denial notice with appeal instructions
Usually have 10-14 days to request a hearing
Gather documentation supporting your case
Consider getting help from legal aid or housing counselor
Don’t miss the deadline – late appeals are typically rejected

Warning Signs and Reality Checks

Red Flags to Avoid

Housing scams are widespread: Never pay fees to apply for government housing programs. Legitimate programs are free to apply for.

Fake listings: Be cautious of rental listings requiring money before viewing or that seem too good to be true for the area.

“Guaranteed” services: No legitimate service can guarantee housing assistance or promise to move you up waiting lists.

Common Challenges

Limited rural transportation: Many appointments require travel to county seats. Ask about mobile services or virtual options when possible.

Paperwork requirements: Missing documents cause most delays. Gather everything before applying and make copies.

Funding limitations: All programs have more applicants than available help. Apply to multiple programs simultaneously.

Seasonal demand: Utility assistance has highest demand in winter months. Apply early in the season.

Tips for Success

Start with emergency programs: ESG and utility assistance often have shorter wait times than Section 8.

Build relationships: Get to know case workers at Community Action Agencies – they often know about other available resources.

Keep detailed records: Maintain organized files of applications, correspondence, and required documents.

Follow up regularly: Call monthly to check application status and provide additional information promptly.

Consider rural options: USDA programs may offer better opportunities than waiting for urban Section 8 vouchers.

Additional Resources

West Virginia State Agencies

West Virginia Department of Human Services

SNAP, TANF, Medicaid applications
Phone: (304) 558-3666
Online: dhhr.wv.gov

West Virginia Community Advancement and Development (WVCAD)

ESG program administration
Community development programs
Phone: (304) 558-2234
Website: wvcad.org

Federal Resources

HUD Customer Service

General housing information and complaints
Phone: (800) 569-4287
Website: hud.gov

USDA Rural Development West Virginia

Rural housing and home repair programs
Phone: (304) 284-4860
Website: rd.usda.gov

Legal Aid

Legal Aid of West Virginia

Free legal help for housing issues
Eviction defense and tenant rights
Phone: (304) 342-6814
Website: lawv.net

WV Center for Budget and Policy

Policy advocacy and information
Housing policy research and analysis
Website: wvpolicy.org

Financial Counseling

HUD-Approved Housing Counselors Find certified housing counselors for homebuying education, foreclosure prevention, and rental assistance guidance:

Call (800) 569-4287
Online search: hud.gov/findacounselor

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This West Virginia guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including West Virginia Department of Human Services, WVCAD, WVHDF, USDA, and HUD to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official West Virginia Department of Human Services, West Virginia Housing Development Fund, USDA, and HUD sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

Disclaimer

Program details, income limits, and availability can change frequently. This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Always verify current program requirements, application deadlines, and income limits with the relevant agency before applying. Funding for assistance programs is limited and not guaranteed to be available when you apply.

For the most current information, contact programs directly or speak with a HUD-approved housing counselor at (800) 569-4287.

🏛️More West Virginia Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in West Virginia

You may also need: Utility Assistance Emergency Assistance Community Support