Southern West Virginia experienced severe flooding over the weekend brought on by an exceptionally heavy rain event. Gov. Patrick Morrissey declared a State of Emergency in Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
Williamson in Mingo County utilized their flood walls for the first major test since they were built in 1991 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Williamson, which sits along the Tug Fork River, has a flood stage of 27 feet. The Tug For River crested at just under 49 feet in Williamson on Sunday afternoon.
Bluefild in McDowell County dealt with flooding from Hurricane Helene and are now faced with another flooding disaster in less than a year.
These are just two communities that experienced historic flooding over the weekend. There are communities across the 13-county footprint that need help.
As communities begin the process of cleaning up and rebuilding, we compiled a list of some resources for those affected and how you can help.
- Williamson Field House (1703 W 3rd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661) – The Williamson Field House has been converted into a disaster response center. People are there taking supplies for flood victims. For those wanting to help, you can call Jarrod Dean at (304) 785-7602.
- Houston Methodist Church (83 Lavinia St. Kimball, WV 24853) – The Houston Methodist Church is taking clothing donations to help victims of the flooding. The church is currently only accepting clothing. For more information on needs, you can contact Brian Dash or Virginia Elliott-Dash at (304) 585-7952.
- The Spark of Love Foundation – The organization is teaming up with the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department (5380 Big Tyler Rd, Cross Lanes, WV 25313) and the Racine Volunteer Fire Department (400 Volunteer St, Racine, WV 25165) to collect needed supplies. People looking to donate supplies directly can drop them off at the two fire departments or call (304) 993-9917 to arrange pick up. Additionally, people can make donations via CashApp using $sparkoflove4thekids or PayPal at The Spark of Love Foundation including “Flood Relief” in the memo.
- The Harvest Center (100 Tennis Court Holden, WV 25625) – The Harvest Center is currently accepting donations. They are looking for water, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable foods for flood victims. For those looking to help, contact Lisa Blankenship at (304) 785-5896.
- Five Loves and Two Fishes Food Bank, Inc. (Coal Heritage HWY Kimball, WV 24853) – Five Loves and Two Fishes Food Bank, Inc. is looking for donations for those impacted by the flooding. If you would like to make physical donations of items, the organization is looking for water, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, hygiene products, and sleeping bags. To make monetary donations, you can go here.
- Raleigh County Family Support Center (1038 N. Eisenhower Drive Beckley, WV 25801) – The Raleigh County Family Support Center is taking donations of water, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene products, and sleeping bags. If you are looking to help, contact the Raleigh County Family Support Center at (681) 539-0370.
- United Way of Southern West Virginia Disaster Recovery Fund (110 Croft St., Beckley WV 25801) – The United Way of Southern West Virginia has activated the Disaster Recovery Fund to help those affected by the recent flooding. The United Way of Southern West Virginia is accepting donations of bleach, buckets, trash bags, brooms, shovels, rakes, gloves, mops, water, and non-perishable food. You can donate to the fund here.
More resources and ways to help are becoming available as communities learn more what they need. Stay updated on the recovery efforts and share this list with friends, families, and your networks to spread the word.
