Helping West Virginia Communities
Our communities in Southern West Virginia have been severely impacted by recent devastating floods and extreme weather conditions. In the face of this crisis, the West Virginia Chamber Foundation is mobilizing to support those affected.
We are reaching out to our valued members to request your help in providing critical relief to the affected areas.
Affected areas/communities include:
- Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne and Wyoming counties
West Virginia Counties Granted Major Disaster Declaration
Federal disaster aid for recent flooding in West Virginia has been approved and individual assistance has been granted for Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Wayne and Wyoming counties, with other areas still under consideration by FEMA.
Click the button below to apply for aid and learn more about the disaster declaration.
Resources
West Virginia Chamber Flooding Impact Survey for Businesses
The West Virginia Chamber has released a survey for businesses to understand the impact of the recent storms on businesses.
West Virginia Disaster Survey
West Virginia Emergency Management has released a survey to aid in collecting information on damages from the storms.
Red Cross
The Red Cross is active in 6 southern WV counties: Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Wyoming & Greenbrier.
Disaster Resource Information
The West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources Disaster Resource Center.
FEMA
Visit FEMA’s Resource Center for additional resources.
Disaster Assistance
Get help applying for FEMA disaster assistance.
U.S. Small Business Administration: West Virginia
Get help from the SBA for your business.
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Shelter Information
Mingo County
- Williamson Field House – 1703 West Third Avenue, Williamson
- Mingo Central High School – 1000 King Coal Highway, Delbarton
- Delbarton Opry House – 14 Ance Curry Drive, Delbarton
McDowell County
- South Side School, Iaeger Elementary, Mountain Valley High School, Houston Methodist Church, and Reclamation Church.
- If you need assistance or you see something that need assistance, call the McDowell County Flood Helpline at 888-929-4966.
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Essential Items Needed Right Now
To continue this important work, affected communities have identified a need for the following essential items:
Personal Protective Gear
- Personal protective gear (boots, gloves, masks)
- Muck boots (mostly men’s size 11 & 12)
Water and Purification
- Bottled/drinking water
- Water purification tablets or filters
Fuel and Power
- Propane tanks
- Generators
- Portable chargers
- Heavy duty extension cords
Lighting and Communication
- Flashlights & batteries (all sizes)
- Emergency communications (such as Starlink or other communication systems)
First Aid and Health
- First aid kits
- OTC meds (Tylenol/Motrin, etc., including children’s OTC meds)
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Bleach/disinfectants
- Clorox/disinfectant wipes
- Trash bags (heavy duty)
- Dehumidifiers and fans
- Squeegees, mops, brooms
- Shop Vacs
- Water hoses
Tools and Other Equipment
- Pry bars
- Tools (shovels, hammers, etc.)
- Plastic tarps or covers
Shelter
- Temporary housing
Supplies can be dropped off at: National Guard Welch Armory
Welch Armory – West Virginia Public Service Training
Or call the Chamber at 304-342-1115
Serving Up Love: Welch restaurant providing meals during McDowell flood recovery
In flood-affected McDowell County, Latin Appalachian restaurant in Welch has been providing thousands of free meals to residents in need since the mid-February flood. The eatery has transitioned to an emergency food hub, offering comforting meals and support. Abagail Diaz, a Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates student, is assisting her father Roberto Diaz in managing the meal demand.
This story was written by Jeff Morris after he traveled with the Chamber Team to Welch, where Sarah Morris created a video documentary of Latin Appalachian’s incredible efforts.
West Virginia Chamber Foundation Mobilizes Recovery Efforts
The West Virginia Chamber Foundation deployed multiple trips to support communities affected by the devastating floods, delivering donations and aiding recovery for affected communities.
We are incredibly proud of the students in the Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates (JWVG) program, who are actively contributing to recovery efforts despite their own losses. Their dedication, along with support from the JWVG community, is helping bring hope to those impacted.
Your financial contributions or supplies are vital for making a difference.
Ways to Donate
The West Virginia Chamber Foundation
Email Elizabeth House at [email protected] to make a monetary donation. Please call 304-342-1115 if you have any questions.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Foundation Relief Fund
Donations to the ARH Foundation Relief Fund will support shelter, food, medical care, and long-term aid for those impacted by the disaster. Every dollar contributed will directly benefit flood relief initiatives.
United Way of Southern West Virginia
Monetary donations: unitedwayswv.org | Physical donations: 110 Croft St., Beckley.
The Farmington Volunteer Fire Department: Marion Co.
All donations and supplies will be accepted at the department, which asks that you contact them before going. You can get in touch with Jim Toothman at 304-365-2239.
The Charleston Dirty Birds & Spark of Love Foundation
Seeking donations of trash bags, dish soap, washcloths, toothbrushes, and other essential cleanup supplies. Drop off items at Tyler Mountain or Racine Volunteer Fire Departments, or arrange a pickup by calling 304-993-9917.
Dutch Miller Auto Group Locations
All Dutch Miller Automotive locations will be a drop off center for any and all supplies.
United Bank Locations
All United Bank locations in the Huntington, Kanawha Valley and Southern West Virginia areas will be a drop off center for any and all supplies beginning Monday, Feb. 24.
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The need for action is urgent to support our fellow West Virginians and our communities.
Please consider contributing to our relief efforts, as every little bit helps those in our communities who are struggling. Together, we can provide the assistance needed to help our neighbors rebuild and recover.
Thank you for your support during this critical time. If you have any questions or want to assist with cleanup, don’t hesitate to reach out to the West Virginia Chamber at 304-342-1115 or email Kathy Thomas at [email protected].
Any physical donations can be dropped off to our office located at 1624 Kanawha Blvd. E. Charleston, WV 25311.
West Virginia Chamber Foundation
The Chamber Foundation has a proven track record of mobilizing resources during difficult times, as demonstrated in 2016 when we provided over $350,000 in mini-grants and essential supplies to communities, small businesses and directly supported emergency responders and those affected by flooding.