Bad weather, like snow and ice, can make your life difficult. Here is information that you may find helpful. Please keep in mind this will not include everything available. It is up to date for January 2025.

Help with Food: Replacing Lost Food and Getting Emergency Food

If you get SNAP benefits (Food Stamps), you may be able to get food replaced if the food is lost during a power outage.

According to WVDoHS, if you lose food due to a power outage lasting over four hours, you may be eligible for replacement of your food stamps. Report your loss within 10 days of the outage. Contact your local WVDoHS county office or call 1-877-716-1212 for help.

You will need to complete an application.  If your application is approved, you will get additional SNAP benefits to replace the lost food.

If you need help getting food, contact local food banks. Mountaineer Food Bank, the largest in the state, serves 48 out of 55 counties in West Virginia.  They host a calendar for mobile food bank locations on their website at https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org/.

If you have access to the internet, search “Food Bank (your town or county), WV” on Google, Bing, Facebook, or any other search engine to locate one near you. Food banks or food pantries are often based in churches or in partnership with other nonprofit groups.

Warming Shelters

A warming shelter is a designated location where anyone can go for free to stay warm when outside temperatures are very cold (below freezing). Many warming shelters offer other help like coats, blankets, food, and drinks. Warming shelters can be used by people who do not have a home, by people who lose power, or by people who do not have proper heat.

Warming shelters are usually temporary. They can pop up anywhere in a community where people are willing to open one. There are even warming buses in Kanawha County.

If you have access to the internet, search “Warming Shelter (insert your town or county), WV” on Google, Bing, Facebook, or any other search engine to locate one near you. Many shelters use Facebook to share their locations.

You may also get information on warming shelters by calling 211. Or follow your local emergency services on social media.

Heating Cost Assistance

In West Virginia, those who need help with heating costs can apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through WVDoHS. This can help partially or completely pay for heating your home (whether you own or rent it).

Apply as soon as possible. There are limited LIEAP funds. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn how to apply at https://dhhr.wv.gov/bfa/programs/Pages/LIEAP.aspx.

Natural Disaster Legal Resources

If a natural disaster destroys your home, belongings, or important documents, replacing them can be difficult.

Our Legal Information articles cover topics like recovering important documents, rental housing problems because of a natural disaster, and more: https://legalaidwv.org/?s=natural+disaster&post_type=resource.